How Yoga Impacts the Brain

Yoga is a powerful relaxation practice and natural stress reliever that increases self-awareness. It impacts brain structure and functions exponentially and is considered the best natural remedy for anxiety. Yoga promotes healthier gray matter in the cerebral cortex, boosts GABA production in the thalamus, and decreases pain sensitivity in the parietal lobe. Healthier gray matter stimulates better muscle control, sharp memory, increased pain tolerance, strong decision making, and overall better self-control. Consistent, daily meditation leads to robust levels of gray matter. Increased GABA production leads to a calm, relaxed state like that of alcohol, but without the side effects. Because yoga consists of active meditation, breathing, and movement, it is one of the best natural remedies for anxiety.  Doing yoga is proven to be more effective for anxiety than walking or reading. Whenever we are feeling stuck, or in a mental funk, yoga allows us to experience joy, better handle intrusive thoughts, and feel more at peace. Incorporating yoga into our daily lives will greatly impact cognitive function and brain structure as we grow older.

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