Yoga and Mental Health: How Yoga Impacts our Neurotransmitters

At the Yoga For Good Foundation, we often mention how great yoga is for our minds and our sense of wellbeing. But what does that actually mean? And what’s the science behind it? Today, on ‘R U OK?’ Day, we’re doing a deep dive into what actually goes on in our brain when we practice yoga and why it has such a positive impact on our mental health.

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years, and its benefits extend far beyond flexibility and stress relief. One of the most significant benefits aspects of yoga is its impact on our neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are essentially chemical messengers that play a pivotal role in our mental and emotional well-being. Below, we’ve explained how yoga influences these chemical messengers and why this matters for our overall health.

Serotonin is often referred to as the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter. It’s crucial for regulating mood, emotions, and sleep patterns. Low serotonin levels are linked to depression and anxiety. Yoga practices, such as asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation, can increase serotonin production. Regular yoga practice has been shown to elevate serotonin levels, promoting feelings of wellbeing, and reducing symptoms of mood disorders.

Dopamine is responsible for feelings of reward, motivation, and pleasure. It plays a vital role in addiction, as substances like drugs and alcohol can flood the brain with dopamine, leading to dependency. Yoga, on the other hand, provides a healthier way to boost dopamine levels. The physical and mental challenges of yoga postures and meditation stimulate the release of dopamine, creating a natural sense of reward and accomplishment. This can help individuals find joy and satisfaction in their practice and daily lives.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. Low GABA levels are associated with conditions like anxiety disorders and insomnia. In fact, a study published in the “Journal of Clinical Psychology” in 2020 showed that regular yoga practice improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia symptoms in individuals with insomnia disorder. Yoga, especially practices focused on deep breathing and meditation, has been shown to increase GABA levels. By calming the mind and promoting a sense of inner peace, yoga helps individuals manage stress and anxiety effectively. Another review published in the “Journal of Clinical Psychology” in 2018 analysed multiple studies and concluded that yoga is effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety disorders.

Yoga’s impact on neurotransmitters is not limited to the chemical level. The mind-body connection that yoga emphasizes plays a significant role in neurotransmitter regulation. When we practice yoga, we engage both our physical bodies and our minds. This holistic approach fosters harmony between our physical and mental states, allowing neurotransmitters to function optimally.