It is commonly known that practicing yoga helps reduce stress, but how does it actually work?
Yoga helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “rest and digest” function, and inhibits the sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”), lowering cortisol levels and reducing heart rate.
Yoga also boosts neurotransmitters like serotonin, which improve mood and decrease anxiety. Regular practice fosters neuroplasticity, structurally changing the brain to enhance emotional regulation.
Yoga also increases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, which inhibit neural activity to reduce anxiety.
Yoga helps regulate the nervous system through deep breathing and mindful movement, which activate the vagus nerve and reverse the physical symptoms of stress.