“Vogue and Self are putting out the message of yoginis as buff and perfect. If you start doing yoga for those reasons, fine. Most people get beyond that and see that it’s much, much more. ” ~ Patricia Walden
Practicing yoga regularly can be of great benefit to all but especially students. Besides increasing energy; preventing repetitive stress injury, enhancing functional fitness and improving strength and flexibility – yoga can enhance mental prowess.
Yoga can give that little boost of energy and alertness needed in the midst of studying. Stand up and take a few minutes to do a few yoga poses to increase energy and improve mood; preliminary studies show – it works!
Stress adversely affects brain function, especially memory by: damaging hippocampus; interfering with the function of neurotransmitters; diminishing the glucose reaching the hippocampus, causing a temporary impairment of memory retrieval; and contributing to sleeplessness.
Imagine what happens to students who stress out when they’re studying around exam time. Since a certain amount of stress can be beneficial the key is stress management not stress elimination.
Yoga is one of the most effective stress management techniques available today.
A United States Study at a reknowned School of Medicine found that brain scans of yoga practitioners showed a healthy boost in levels of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) immediately after a one-hour yoga session.
Another US Medical College found a significant drop in cortisol levels after a single yoga class.
Participating in a typical yoga class you will be reaping the benefits of most of the stress management therapies popular today and listed below.
Controlled Deep Breathing …..
One of the basic tennants of yoga is controlled deep breathing. Medical students who participated in a deep breathing study reported decreased test anxiety, nervousness and self-doubt. They also believed it enhanced their concentration, helped them academically and would help them as a physician.
Physical Fitness
Regular yoga practice is a great way to stay fit. According to the Mayo Clinic Physical activity — whether it’s a relaxing walk, bicycle racing or meditative tai chi — helps relieve stress.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation …..
Many yoga classes start and end with progressive muscle relaxation. During a Harvard Medical University study this therapy was proven to be an excellent stress management technique.
Guided Visualization …..
Guided visualization techniques are utilized in the final relaxation of many yoga classes. They are recommended by the Mayo Clinic as an effective programme for relieving stress.
Mindfulness ….
Yoga encourages mindfulness in many ways, for instance through body scans or encouraging inner body awareness. A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Study (MBSR) on medical students concluded MBSR can be an effective stress management intervention.
Meditation …..
Practicing yoga is a form of meditation as participants are encouraged to focus on the moment and observe the body and the breath from within. Researchers have found that meditation can alter the physical structure of our brains.
Yoga can also improve cognitive skills, memory and focus and concentration through the practices below.
Physical Fitness …..
University studies show Yoga is a great way to maintain physical fitness; those who practice yoga regularly compare or exceed fitness levels in other athletes when stamina; strength; flexibility and core strength is considered. A multitude of research shows physical fitness is associated with optimum cognitive functioning.
Aerobic Movement …..
Vinyassa style yoga classes or sun salutations involve a flow of movements with the breath which increases heart rate. A study at the University of Illinois has shown aerobic fitness may shape cognitive processes and their neeural underpinnings.
Eye Movements …..
The 19th century physician Swami Sivananada believed eye exercises were the best way to train attention. Neurologists have now determined that the same brain systems that control eye movements control attention. Studies at the University of Manchester have shown that moving the eyes from side to side has another benefit; it can reduce misinformation effect and promote memory.
Alternate Nostril Breath …..
Ancient yoga teachers also said that practicing the alternate nostril breath would improve focus and concentration. Now scientists have shown that both verbal and spatial memory are improved after the practice of this breath.
Yoga can help in another way. One of the comments I get the most from participants in my classes is “yoga helps me sleep.” We need a good sleep to solidify our memories and reduce cortisol levels. Research shows there is a link between deep sleep and visual learning; and our brain engages in data analysis, from strengthening memories to solving problems.
Weekly yoga classes with a skilled teacher and a regular personal practice – every day is preferable – will maximize the health benefits.
Trudy Prevost
