--- description: Those sun salutations are good for more than a strong core and flexibility. They may give you a sunny disposition, too. title: 3 Ways Yoga Benefits Your Brain image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blta7e1db21cbec97fe/6987789df887dcfd52e89607/health-weight-exercise-yoga-mat.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  * [motto](/tag/motto/) ## motto Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close # 3 Ways Yoga Benefits Your Brain (7 Mar 2016) by [Abigail Wise / Real Simple](/author/real-simple/) ## Abigail Wise / Real Simple Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Mar 7, 2016 1:00 PM CUT  Elizabeth Renstrom for TIME by [Abigail Wise / Real Simple](/author/real-simple/) ## Abigail Wise / Real Simple Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Mar 7, 2016 1:00 PM CUT We’ve long known that yoga offers a host of [physical benefits](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/28/body-on-yoga%5Fn%5F4109595.html "undefined"), including increased flexibility, a healthier weight, and possibly even stronger bones. But many yogis also practice for the less visual effects of the exercise. Yoga holds the power to transform our minds as much as it does our bodies. Here, some of the mental benefits of yoga. **_Real Simple:_**[_30 Secrets Your Body Language Gives Away_](http://www.realsimple.com/health/mind-mood/reading-body-language-00000000048262/index.html?xid=time-rs-110414 "undefined") **It’s a serious stress-buster.** The [Mayo Clinic](http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/stress-management/in-depth/yoga/art-20044733 "undefined") boasts yoga’s power to fight stress and improve moods for all. And the practice can offer a moment to escape from our busy lives. [Research shows](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1745-7599.2008.00306.x/abstract?systemMessage=Wiley+Online+Library+will+be+disrupted+on+the+18th+October+from+10%3A00+BST+%2805%3A00+EDT%29+for+essential+maintenance+for+approximately+two+hours+as+we+make+upgrades+to+improve+our+services+to+you&userIsAuthenticated=false&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage= "undefined") that mindfulness-based stress reduction, like that at yoga’s core, can help lower anxiety and stress. In a [study](http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/yoga-reduces-stress-now-it-s-known-236785 "undefined") at the University of California, Los Angeles, participants who practiced yoga for just 12 minutes every day for eight weeks showed a decrease in their immune systems’ inflammation response. When we’re overstressed, our bodies lose the ability to [regulate our inflammatory response](http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162546.htm "undefined"), which can lead to a long list of health problems, including a greater risk of depression. By lowering our stress levels, we can also lower the risk of depression. **_Real Simple:_**[ _One Sneaky Trick to Boost Your Mood_](http://www.realsimple.com/health/mind-mood/walking-mood-study?xid=time-rs-110414 "undefined") **Yoga boosts brainpower.** Not only do poses like downward dogs relax and de-stress, but they may actually increase brain function. A short, 20-minute session of Hatha yoga might improve focus and information retention, according to the [University of Illinois](http://news.illinois.edu/news/13/0605yoga%5FEdwardMcAuley.html "undefined"). So the next time your head’s feeling foggy, consider ditching the energy drink and opting for some time on the mat instead. **_Real Simple:_**[_Why Your Sibling is Good for Your Health (According to Science)_](http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/family/benefits-of-siblings?xid=time-rs-110414 "undefined") **It can increase happiness.** Ever notice how strong, centered and happy you feel after a yoga session? It turns out it’s not all in your head. [Research shows](http://www.theguardian.com/science/2010/nov/11/living-moment-happier "undefined") that the simple act of living in the moment boosts moods. On average, we spend almost half of our time planning ahead or contemplating the past, and staying in the present is often easier said than done. But yoga helps us focus on the present by providing both physical and mental exercises. That’s why yoga instructors often [encourage](http://blog.gaiam.com/a-yoga-journey-for-autumn/ "undefined") reflection and living in the moment during class, rather than simply running through the poses. Yoga’s mental aspect brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “blissing out.” _This_ [_article_](http://www.realsimple.com/health/fitness-exercise/stretching-yoga/yoga-brain "undefined") _originally appeared on_ [_RealSimple.com_](http://www.realsimple.com/ "undefined")_._ ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/4248491/yoga-helps-brain-healthy-2/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/4248491/yoga-helps-brain-healthy-2/"},"headline":"3 Ways Yoga Benefits Your Brain (7 Mar 2016)","datePublished":"2016-03-07T13:00:12.000Z","dateModified":"2026-04-13T09:01:58.347Z","description":"Those sun salutations are good for more than a strong core","url":"https://time.com/4248491/yoga-helps-brain-healthy-2/","keywords":["motto","photography","yoga","health","stress relief"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blta7e1db21cbec97fe/6987789df887dcfd52e89607/health-weight-exercise-yoga-mat.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Abigail Wise / Real Simple"}],"articleSection":"","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blta7e1db21cbec97fe/6987789df887dcfd52e89607/health-weight-exercise-yoga-mat.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"TIME.com stock photos Weight Loss Health Exercise Yoga Mat","caption":"TIME.com stock photos Weight Loss Health Exercise Yoga Mat","creditText":"Elizabeth Renstrom for TIME","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/tag/motto/","name":"motto"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/4248491/yoga-helps-brain-healthy-2/","name":"3 Ways Yoga Benefits Your Brain (7 Mar 2016)"}}]}] ```