Yoga is an incredible practice that uses breath, meditation, and physical postures to strengthen not only the body but also the mind. What may be surprising is that yoga has the power to alter the structure and function of our brain. I know, crazy! Yoga plays an important role in cognitive function, particularly with memory and attention. This is especially relevant in modern society, where our attention spans have significantly decreased due to social media. 

Studies using MRI scans have shown that people who regularly practice yoga have a thicker cerebral cortex (the area of the brain that processes information) and hippocampus (the area of the brain involved in memory and information processing) compared to those who do not practice yoga. These areas of the brain typically atrophy as we age, but studies have shown that older yoga practitioners experience less shrinkage compared to non-practitioners.

Additionally, research has shown that yoga and meditation can lower stress hormones, release endorphins, and increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which improves mood and reduces feelings of anxiety. Meditation can also help in acute stressful situations by working on the nervous system. Slow, intentional breathing, commonly practiced in meditation, activates the parasympathetic nervous system—our “rest and digest" mechanism—helping us reach a calmer state.

Regular meditation has been shown to reduce activity in the limbic system, which is considered the emotional control center of the brain. Decreased activity in the limbic system means you may be less reactive and better equipped to handle stressful situations more seamlessly.

Sources:

Harvard Health Publishing - “Yoga for better mental health”