Scientists from the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology found that home yoga reduces anxiety and improves short-term memory. Research published Journal of Behavioral Medicine.
Scientists have developed an eight-week online yoga course for people who experience stress and work according to a standard schedule. They first practiced with online instructors three times a week and were then encouraged to practice on their own.
Yoga was distinguished by an active asana (position) change. The researchers wanted to know whether learning new chains of yoga sequences improves working memory, similar to how learning a new dance benefits the brain.
As the scientists point out, active alternation of asanas instead of static yoga could theoretically improve people’s ability to concentrate on daily life tasks. The results showed an overall reduction in stress and anxiety. Additionally, the participants improved their short-term working memory. Another encouraging result was the overwhelmingly positive response from the participants.
“Our work explores complex movements—not just cycling or walking in a straight line, but also multi-plane movements that require slightly different orientation and awareness of movement, technique, and breathing in space,” the scientists said.