If you've practiced yoga before, which odds are you have if you're reading this article, then you've experienced the feelings of immense well-being and peace after practicing. A recent study from Boston University School of Medicine scientifically validates and proves the Yoga Glow.

The study followed 34 randomly selected men and women of all ages for 12 weeks. Half of the group was asked to practice yoga 3 hours per week, and the other half to walk for the same amount of time per week.

The yoga subjects reported greater improvements in mood and a greater decrease in anxiety than the walking subjects. This change in temperament was directly correlated to increased levels of the neurotransmitter gamma-amino butyric acid, or GABA, by 13 percent in the yoga subjects. Levels of this brain chemical are found to be lower in people who suffer from depression or anxiety as GABA is directly associated with improved mood and decreased anxiety. “This is the first study to find a behavioral intervention – yoga, in this case – that has an effect on brain chemistry similar to that of antidepressants,” says study author Chris Streeter, M.D.

Life is like a Bowl of Cherries

when you practice yoga!