The 6 psychological benefits of yoga

The yoga is a very old physical and mental practice that has been expanding all over the world due to its benefits and that it guarantees a firm body, a stable mind and a benevolent spirit.

It is an ancient art that has widely shown that it can improve our quality of life, not only on a physical level but also on a mental and spiritual level.

Psychology and yoga

It is made up of postures (asanas), relaxation (savasana), meditation (dhyana), breathing (pranayama), kriyas (cleansing), mudras (energy seals), kirtan (chants), mantra or rituals. In addition to an exercise, for many, it is a way of life that seeks well-being, inner peace and implies a lifestyle that commits to observing ethical guidelines, principles of life and adequate nutrition.

Yoga achieves the integration of movement with the breath until these cease to be two separate entities and become one. His practice becomes an extremely powerful agent of transformation that causes profound changes in our health. In fact, its use is seen as a

preventive or rehabilitative medicine because it stimulates metabolic and anabolic processes and improves energy circulation, oxygenating the body. When we talk about yoga, we can not only refer to the physiological benefits (for example, increased flexibility, decreased muscle stiffness, etc.), but we have to mention the positive consequences it produces on the mind, emotional well-being and brain.

Then from Psychology and Mind, we present the six psychological benefits of practicing yoga.

1. Reduce stress

The lifestyle of Western societies can lead many people to suffer stress, causing psychological health problems such as depression, anxiety, etc. A study of Thirthalli and Naveen (2013) shows that yoga treatmentreduces cortisol levels, a hormone that is released in response to stress.

Cortisol is necessary for the body as it regulates and mobilizes energy in stressful situations, but if we have too much or it increases in situations that we do not need it, it produces many effects secondary. By practicing yoga we can lower the levels of this hormone, and therefore reduce stress.

2. Improve sleep

The serotonin (5-HT) is a neurotransmitter derived from an amino acid called tryptophan. It sends messages within the brain and through the nervous system, and participates in many processes such as regulating mood or appetite. In addition, one of its main tasks is increase melatonin production, a hormone that regulates the cycles of dream.

To get a peaceful rest, likewise, the serotoninintervenes in the control of stress and body temperature. "The practice of yoga increases serotonin levels so it helps you sleep better" explains Dr. Murali Doraiswam, author of a Duke University study that included a review of more than 100 research papers on the yoga.

3. Improves mood

As we have commented in the previous point, serotonin (5-HT) also regulates mood. Low 5-HT levels are associated with depressive behaviors and obsessive. Research by Cabral, Meyer and Ames (2011) found that regular yoga practice produces improvements in patients with depression and anxiety in a similar way to physical exercise, due to the increase in serotonin.

Another neurotransmitter that seems to influence this aspect is the GABA. A recent study from Boston University and the University of Utah has shown that there is also an increase in this neurotransmitter in yoga practitioners.

4. Extends life and prevents degenerative diseases

American researchers from Harvard University School of Medicine and Massachusetts General Hospital have shown, after a study, that yoga and meditation increase the size of telomeres, structures that are located at the ends of chromosomes and that are directly related to aging, the development of certain pathologies and even premature death.

The study concludes that there appears to be a positive correlation between healthy telomeres and high size, and increased longevity, prevention of degenerative diseases and health of the people. Doing yoga for just 15 minutes a day is enough to producebiochemical changes in the brain and neurons.

5. Improve concentration

Yoga practitioners improveconcentration, coordination, reaction time, memory, learning and show increased ability to solve problems according to a study by Neha Gothe, a professor at Wayne State University in Detroit. According to her research, published in The Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 20 minutes of yoga a day is more beneficial on a cognitive level than a session of physical activity intense.

• Related article: "9 tips to improve concentration"

6. Improves the relationship and sexual relations

According to Pete McCall, an exercise physiologist and coach personl For the American Council on Exercise: "Yoga can lead to better sex because it will help your flexibility and strengthen your pelvic muscles." A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine suggests that yoga can treat premature ejaculation Y improve sexual satisfaction.

In addition, as other research from the University of British Columbia mentions, reducing stress thanks to the practice of yoga increases libido and sexual vitality. Therefore, by improving the sex life In different ways, the couple's relationship may also benefit.