Yoga is linked to stress reduction, but how it works is not well understood. This theoretical paper proposes that yoga reduces stress by influencing how people appraise stressors, drawing on embodied cognition, Cognitive Appraisal Theory, and the Biopsychosocial Model of Challenge and Threat. Body position and common yoga practices may affect thoughts about the self and feelings of confidence. The musculoskeletal system may play a direct or indirect role. The authors call for systematic research on the interactions between psychological processes, body position, and musculoskeletal activity during yoga.
A new mind-body program called Meditation Based Lifestyle Modification (MBLM) was tested in 25 outpatients with mild or moderate depression to see if it was feasible and acceptable. Twenty patients completed at least six sessions, with 87.5% adherence. Most participants reported decreased emotional distress, increased self-confidence and self-acceptance, and many found the ethical aspects of yoga novel and inspiring. Depressive symptoms decreased by 39.23%, and measures of mindfulness and eudaemonic well-being improved significantly. The program appears highly acceptable and feasible for this population.