Yoga and exercise: implications for mental health and hope

• Main Author: McLeod, Jane
• Other Authors: Paulson, Barbara
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2010
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10048/1075

Although exercise has received support for its physiological and mental health benefits, less is known about mindfulness activities. The purpose of this study was to explore how yoga, exercise, and no activity relate to hope, psychological distress, and mental health. Participants who practiced (1) yoga (n=30), (2) exercise (n=30), and (3) no activity (n=30) were administered the Herth Hope Index, Mental Health Inventory, and General Health Questionnaire. While there was no relationship on the Mental Health Inventory between activity conditions, yoga participants showed higher scores on the General Health Questionnaire, and reported reduced anxiety and insomnia. Both activity groups also scored higher on the Herth Hope Index. The results suggest that physical activity is important for improving mental health and hope, but may vary depending on type. === Counselling Psychology