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It has long been known that yoga offers many incredible health benefits for our mind and body but what about our memory? For those who practice regularly, the physical effects can be significant from increased strength, greater flexibility and improved energy levels. Now new yoga research from UCLA shows the powerful positive effects just 1 hour of yoga a week can have on our cognitive function.


Yes. Yoga really can improve memory and brain power!

Many of us experience brain fog and forgetfulness in our daily lives. While this can often be attributed to our busy family and work schedules, according to the ‘UCLA Newsroom’ these signs could be precursors to developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Helen Lavretsky, the study’s senior author and professor at UCLA, revealed that a three month course of yoga and meditation practice was more effective at minimising cognitive impairment than brain training exercises.

Though both methods were found to help the participants verbal memory, yoga provided a much broader range of cognitive benefits. These included improved mood, lower levels of stress and anxiety, and better visual memory skills.

The study, which was funded by the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation, is one of the first to analyse the effects that yoga has on our neurological health. The research promotes yoga and meditation as an effective strategy to combat emotional stress, depression, and for those dealing with memory loss.


How does it work?

The healing effect yoga and meditation has on our mental health can be difficult to define. Even as a complete beginner at your first class, you might notice how relaxed and positive you feel afterwards. But providing your mind and body with time and space to connect and fully relax is just a small part of what makes yoga so incredibly restorative.

14 of the 25 participants who took part in the small study attended a weekly Kundalini yoga class and practiced Kirtan Kriya meditation for 20 minutes each day. Not only were the subjects found to have reduced levels of inflammation and improved brain connectivity but the statistical changes were significant compared to the group who performed research-backed memory improvement techniques.

This new research may encourage you to integrate a regular yoga session into your lifestyle or simply reaffirm your passion for the practice. Either way, yoga is a simple and positive way to protect and nurture your mental wellness – and it’s another great reason to spend time on the mat!

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