Physical Activity and Mental Health
Although there is no scientific evidence that yoga can promote a better mental health, there is a correlation between yoga and improved mental and physical health. In the video above (click the title), Sudhir (2020) discusses studies which have shown positive yoga effects on flexibility and strength, psychological health, heart, and lung function.
YOGA AND DEPRESSION
According to Kinser et al. (2012), nowadays, many people seek additional therapies to their allopathic depression treatment. Yoga is one of these therapies (Kinser et al., 2013). A combination of relaxation and rhythmic breathing contribute to well-being, calmness, and mental focus which leads to minimized levels of depression (Kinser et al., 2012).
EVIDENCE?
In the study, conducted by Linsey Hopkins, 23 males were taken part (APA, 2017). They had to take yoga classes for eight weeks, twice a week (APA, 2017). At the end of the experiment these males showed decreased levels of depression (APA, 2017).
Another study, conducted by Sarah Shallit, was focused on 52 females, aged 25-45 (APA, 2017). Half of them was assigned to take yoga classes, another half was wait-listed (APA, 2017). The study concluded that the depression levels were significantly reduced after eight weeks compared to control group (APA, 2017).
The study, conducted by Nina Vollberh, on 12 individuals who suffer from depression for 11 years, showed decreased depression levels in those individuals after 9 months attending yoga sessions (APA, 2017).
Meditation was practiced for spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being for many years (AsapSCIENCE, 2015). But have you ever wondered how our brain works during meditation and why meditation impacts us in a good way? AsapSCIENCE (2015), takes scientific approach to explain how meditation impacts our brain and what processes happen during meditation. *Click the title to see the video.
