While you might think stretching, breathing, and focusing on your posture can’t possibly improve your psychological well-being, there’s growing evidence that yoga can be effective in reducing depression.

Traditional treatment for depression usually involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. But not everyone responds well to these types of evidence-based treatments. Only one-third of individuals receive relief from their first trial with antidepressants.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in mind-body practices that can improve psychological well-being. Yoga, in particular, has shown a sharp increase in popularity over the last decade.

There are many studies that have found yoga can decrease symptoms of depression. In fact, some studies have found that yoga is just as effective as antidepressants and exercise in reducing symptoms of depression.

Researchers found that yoga provides immediate relief as well as long-term symptom reduction. It also decreases symptom severity and increases treatment remission rates.