Yoga for brain health: Enhancing cognitive function and mental well-being

The significant advantages of yoga for physical, cognitive, and psychological wellness are becoming increasingly recognised by specialists in today's fast-paced society when mental health and general wellbeing are vital. The age-old art of yoga has become recognised as a potent instrument for increasing mental health and brain health in the quest for comprehensive well-being.

The multiple advantages of incorporating yoga into one's lifestyle have been underlined by recent research and anecdotal evidence, making it a crucial part of overall wellness.

We may experience directly yoga's enormous effects on mental health, cognitive function, and general quality of life by incorporating it into our daily lives. Yoga offers a route towards better mental health, higher cognitive function, and a stronger feeling of life balance, whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner.

Dr. Veena Aggarwal, MBBS, DGO, Consultant Women's Health, Trustee, Dr. KK's Heart Care Foundation of India, offers the following advice.

YOGA'S HOLISTIC APPROACH TO WELLNESS

Yoga is a long-standing Indian tradition that combines physical poses (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation (dhyana) to harmonise the mind, body, and spirit.

Contrary to popular belief, yoga has eight limbs: yama, niyama, asana, pratihar, pranayama, dhyan, dharna, and Samadhi. Yoga is a lifestyle intervention. As a result, yoga has advantages for both physical and mental health, as well as for emotional and mental wellbeing.

THE BENEFICIAL IMPACT OF YOGA ON BRAIN STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

According to science, daily yoga practise has a good effect on the structure and operation of the brain. According to studies, regular yoga practise can expand the grey matter in the parts of the brain responsible for memory, learning, and emotional control.

Yoga is a low-impact activity that reduces stress hormones while concurrently increasing feel-good brain chemicals like endorphins and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which help you feel better, reduce anxiety, and improve your mood.

A SUCCESSFUL MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTION IS YOGA

According to clinical studies, yoga is just as effective in treating different mental diseases and psychological distress as other treatments like medication and psychotherapy.

Yoga develops self-awareness, emotional stamina, and a sense of inner serenity by fusing breathwork, meditation, and self-reflection. This mind-body connection fosters mental clarity, encourages happy feelings, and enhances psychological equilibrium in general.

A ACCESSIBLE SOLUTION FOR EVERYONE IS YOGA

Everyone, regardless of age or background, can benefit from yoga's good effects on brain health. Yoga offers a flexible and approachable solution for everyone from students hoping to improve their focus and academic performance to professionals aiming to reduce stress and increase productivity.

Recent studies have highlighted the potential advantages of yoga as a non-pharmacological method for enhancing sleep patterns, notably in the population of older adults. According to a study conducted on people 60 and older, doing yoga increased the quantity and quality of sleep. Furthermore, as indicated by the proportion of time spent sleeping in bed, participants showed improved sleep efficiency.

THE NEUROPROTECTIVE ADVANTAGES OF YOGA FOR BRAIN HEALTH

According to research, yoga stimulates the brain's neuroprotective processes, protecting it from degenerative disorders and aging-related deterioration. According to research, yoga boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production, a protein that aids in the growth and survival of neurons.

Greater cognitive performance, happier moods, and a lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease have all been linked to higher levels of BDNF.