Thanks to my friend Erin G. (M.D.) for sharing the following continued research about yoga and its benefits to mood, and anxiety levels...it is possibly better than walking!
"Exercise has been linked to improvements in mood and anxiety, but it is unclear if certain types of physical activity are more effective than others. A new study suggests that yoga may be more effective than walking.
The recent trial included 34 health adults who did not have significant medical or psychiatric disorders. The participants were randomly assigned to practice yoga or walk for 60 minutes, three times a week for 12 weeks.
The participants' mood and anxiety levels were measured at the start of the study and again at week four, eight and 12. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy scans were also performed throughout the study.
Greater improvements in mood and anxiety were reported in the yoga group compared to the walking group. The researchers suggest that these beneficial effects may be related to the increased gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels that were noted in the yoga group. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate nerve activity. Because many mood disorders have been associated with low plasma levels of GABA, supplementation with GABA has been suggested for disorders such as anxiety and depression.
However, more research is needed to confirm these early findings."
Namaste,
Kat
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