In the current study (published by Medscape), the investigators examined the effects of Bikram yoga, which is a heated form of Hatha yoga, on depression and anxiety symptoms in a community sample of at-risk women.
The study included 52 women, aged 25 to 45 years, who had mildly elevated anxiety (mean Beck Anxiety Inventory score, 12.8), and moderate depression (mean Beck Depression Inventory score, 18.3) and high stress mean (Perceived Stress Questionnaire score, 0.60).
What is Hot Yoga, how can I benefit?
Lindsey B. Hopkins-Deboer, PhD, of the San Francisco VA Medical Center, and colleagues examined the impact of Bikram yoga on 52 women, between the ages of 25 and 45, who had elevated anxiety and moderate depression. The women were yoga novices, and none has a history of anorexia, bipolar disorder, or psychosis.
The women were randomly assigned to either two Bikram yoga classes lasting 90 minutes each week or a wait-list control group. The participants in the yoga group showed greater decreases in anxiety, stress and negative effect.
“Clinicians treating women who are stressed, anxious, and depressed should consider investigating some form of yoga therapy,” Hopkins-DeBoer told Medscape Medical News. “I think yoga pairs nicely alongside psychotherapy for depressed mood and anxiety and stress in women.”
Take-a-way: Taking time out or our busy work schedule / life to engage in activities that promote well-being physically and mentally, who wouldn’t want that? The first step is to admit that some form is necessary for ‘self’. The next step is to find the activity (that is safe and effective) that you can mold into your life as something to look forward to. Then of course, do it.