How Yoga Changes Your Brain

As we age, there can be cognitive, physical, and emotional changes that occur in the brain. Some of the common changes that can happen include:

Issues with memory, difficulty with problem-solving and decision-making, decreased cognitive flexibility, decreased physical abilities in areas such as balance and coordination, emotional changes such as increased anxiety, depression, or irritability, and decreased communication abilities, whether with speaking, writing, or understanding language. 

And these changes can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life. However, there are steps that can be taken to help slow or manage brain decline, such as engaging in regular physical exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and staying mentally active through activities such as reading, puzzles, and socialising with others.

And then there is yoga.

Yoga has been found to have several positive effects on the brain, including:

Increased Gray Matter

Studies have shown that a regular yoga practice can increase gray matter volume in regions of the brain associated with memory, attention, and emotional regulation.

Reduced Stress

Yoga has been found to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can have negative effects on the brain, and increase relaxation; helping to protect the brain from the damaging effects of chronic stress.

Improved Sleep

Yoga can improve sleep quality and quantity, which is so important for brain health.

Improved Cognitive Function

Yoga can improve cognitive function, including attention, memory, problem-solving skills and executive function.

Increased GABA levels

GABA is a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect on the brain. Studies have shown that regular yoga practice can increase GABA levels in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Increased Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and paying attention to the thoughts and feelings that are arising. Yoga can promote mindfulness and improve emotional regulation.

Increased Brain Plasticity

Brain plasticity refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences. Yoga has been found to enhance brain plasticity, helping to protect the brain against ageing and cognitive decline.

The take-home

Yoga is a powerful tool that can positively impact brain health in a number of ways. But maybe the best way to sum it all up is in recognising the impact that stress can have on us, while also acknowledging yoga’s ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

When you experience stress, your body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline that can result in a range of negative effects on the brain, including impairing cognitive function, damaging brain cells, and even shrinking areas of the brain over time. And chronic stress has been linked to a range of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.

Yoga helps to counteract the negative effects of stress on the brain by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body to relax and reduces the level of stress hormones in the body. This can lead to improved cognitive function, better memory retention, and a calmer, more focused mind.

In addition to reducing stress, yoga also helps to improve circulation, which can increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, helping to improve brain function and promote the growth of new brain cells.

And if you are interested in trying a really great yogic technique for brain health, to clear away any cobwebs and access deep clarity, check out Brain Bija with Saraswati only on Sattva Connect. Your Support to an Awakened Life!