Study: Yoga Can Help With Depression Symptoms

CBS Boston · 0:45

In this practice

Key teachings

Mind-body connection for emotional well-being
Breath awareness for mood regulation
Gentle movement for stress release

Ideal for

Individuals experiencing depressive symptoms
People with mental health challenges
Anyone seeking stress reduction and emotional support

Lesson

Instructions

Weekly sessions of yoga may ease depressive symptoms in people with other mental health issues, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing research. Katie Johnston reports.

Steps

Mindful breathing exercises (Pranayama)
Gentle stretching and restorative poses
Guided meditation and relaxation techniques

Benefits

Eases depressive symptoms
Reduces stress and anxiety
Improves mood and emotional regulation
Promotes self-awareness and inner peace

Transcript

a new review of existing research finds weekly yoga sessions may ease depression symptoms for people with other mental health issues researchers say twenty to forty percent of people with schizophrenia and seventy two percent of people with lifetime anxiety also suffer from depression the study published Monday in the British Journal of Sports Medicine looks into nineteen controlled clinical trials people did one to two weekly yoga sessions between 20 and 90 minutes long after two and a half months participants had slightly East depression symptoms compared to people who sought no treatment or self-help treatment the impact was strongest with people who have schizophrenia Kati Johnston for CBS local news

Practice summary

Level: all levels
Duration: 60 minutes
Equipment: yoga matblanket or cushionyoga blocks (optional)
Target areas: mind and nervous systememotional well beingfull body for gentle release
Energy: balancing

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