Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.
—Etty Hittlesum
If school has you feeling overwhelmed, maybe it’s time to try Kripalu-style yoga. High school juniors and seniors who practice this style of yoga enjoy a better mood and have less tension and anxiety, according to one Harvard study.1 That’s powerful stuff from simple yoga poses, breathing exercises, and a few daily moments of relaxation and meditation.
How does it work? Researchers attribute the happy effect of Kripalu-style yoga to its ability to boost the brain’s level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a key biochemical messenger involved in mood and anxiety.
Adding Kripalu yoga to your routine may be just what you need to stay positive and in the stress-free zone. In this way, you can more easily navigate whatever comes your way, including the nail-biting wait for college acceptance letters to roll in. It’s not magic, but it may be the next best thing.
Boost your mood & banish anxiety
1. Say yes to yoga.
Kripalu yoga may help you have a more relaxed, positive attitude. Learn more at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health (kripalu.org). You’ll even find free (yes, free) online options for at-home or on-the-go relaxation techniques like watching 1-hour, at-home yoga classes or listening to quick, 5-minute yoga breaks.
2. Choose foods rich in vitamin B6.
Vitamin B6 is a cofactor for the brain’s production of GABA and other biochemical messengers that help regulate your mood. Good food sources include animal-based foods like meat, fish, eggs and dairy products and plant-based foods like whole grain cereals, vegetables, dried beans and some fruits.
3. Take a daily multi.
A high-quality multivitamin can help fill nutrient gaps between what your diet provides and what your brain needs for optimal GABA production.
You’ve Got This!
Lorna & Kathleen (The EatingFor Team)
References
Noggle JJ, Steiner NJ, Minami T, Khalsa SB. Benefits of yoga for psychosocial well-being in a US high school curriculum: a preliminary randomized controlled trial. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2012;33(3):193-201. doi:10.1097/DBP.0b013e31824afdc4
P.S. Like this tip? For more, check out You’ve Got This! 45 Doable Tips for Teens to Feel Good, Look Good & Succeed. Available at IngramSpark, Amazon.com and other online retailers.