How Yoga Improves Mental Health
1. Reduces Stress & Regulates Mood
Yoga lowers cortisol by activating the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) system. It boosts production of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine & GABA :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
2. Manages Anxiety
Breath control (pranayama) calms the nervous system, reducing anxiety responses :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
3. Enhances Emotional Resilience
Mindful movement and self-awareness foster emotional regulation, resilience, and self-acceptance :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
4. Improves Sleep
By reducing stress and enhancing relaxation, yoga contributes to better sleep quality :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
5. Boosts Cognitive Function
Practices increase focus, memory, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), improving learning and mental clarity :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
6. Promotes Brain Health
Imaging studies find yoga can increase grey matter in the insula, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
7. Reduces Inflammation & Calms the Nervous System
Regular practice lowers inflammatory markers like IL‑6 and shifts the autonomic balance toward relaxation :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.