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A new study conducted by a research team led by Ingunn Hagen from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology has confirmed the significant positive effects of yoga on reducing stress levels among both adolescents and adults.
In particular, a short course of eight sessions allowed participants who kept diaries to notice a decrease in stress and an improvement in well-being. This experiment was part of a wider European initiative aimed at strengthening the mental health of young people, especially those in difficult life circumstances. The positive effect of yoga was also found among working adults: they used breathing techniques to reduce anxiety before important meetings and quickly restore energy, which contributed to increased productivity.
The physiological mechanism of yoga's effect is to balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, helping to reduce the "fight or flight" response. The practice promotes relaxation, improves digestion, and increases concentration, which is confirmed by both subjective feedback and objective biological indicators. At the same time, scientists warn that yoga should not serve only as a means of masking excessive workloads, but should be part of broader changes in the field of work and education.
Despite its many benefits, researchers warn of potential risks, including possible injuries when performing difficult poses without proper training. In addition, the idealized image of yoga on social media can cause additional psychological pressure. It is important to approach the practice consciously, avoiding turning it into another element of consumer culture.
Ingunn Hagen believes that incorporating yoga into school curricula and corporate culture can contribute to improving both individual well-being and the overall mental health of society. Research confirms that with the right approach, yoga can be an effective tool for maintaining psychophysiological balance, but only if extremes are avoided and it is used in conjunction with other healthy lifestyle strategies.
Yoga helps fight stress – study appeared first on Curiosity.
