The Acute Effects of Yoga on Executive Function

This study examined how a single yoga session compares to aerobic exercise in improving cognitive performance among 30 female college students. Participants completed tasks assessing attention and working memory after yoga, aerobic exercise, and baseline conditions. Results showed yoga significantly improved reaction times and accuracy on demanding tasks, especially for working memory and inhibitory control, compared to the other conditions. Aerobic exercise showed no significant cognitive benefits. Yoga's meditative and focused nature may enhance executive functions, suggesting it as a practical option for boosting mental performance, even after short sessions.

Consider incorporating 20-minute yoga sessions into your routine to improve focus, reaction time, and working memory. Even brief, structured sessions involving mindfulness and physical postures can yield immediate cognitive benefits. This study demonstrates yoga’s effectiveness compared to aerobic exercise, though further research with diverse populations is needed to confirm its broader applicability.