https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876382026000107 This research looked at how and why yoga improves emotional well-being, not just whether it does, but what changes inside people that help them feel better. It was a secondary analysis of a randomized 12-week yoga trial in adults who identified as stressed. KEY FINDINGS 1. Yoga practice was linked to increases in self-compassion. People who practiced more yoga tended to become more compassionate toward themselves over times 2. Greater self-compassion was associated with improved emotional well-being: Particularly stronger sense of inner peace and greater meaning in life — two core aspects of flourishing. 3. Interoceptive awareness (body awareness) also mattered: Trusting bodily sensations and being better at regulating attention toward internal experience were linked with increases in peace and life meaning. 4. Yoga “dose” (how much people practiced) mattered for self-compassion: More practice was associated with larger increases in self-compassion, though not directly with the body-awareness scores or well-being outcomes. WHAT THIS MEANS Yoga may improve emotional well-being not just by movement, but by strengthening how people relate to themselves and their internal experiences. The findings support the idea that attending to compassion and body awareness is a powerful mechanism, not just a nice “side effect.” FOR YOGA TEACHERS 1. Weave in self-compassion cues intentionally. Use language that invites kind, non-judgmental attitude toward experience, for example: “Notice where you are today with curiosity, not judgement.” “If the body feels tight or tired, offer it kindness.”This reinforces the internal shift shown to be linked with peace and meaning. 2. Highlight interoceptive awareness. Guide students to tune into bodily sensations with balanced attention (not forcing, not avoiding). Frame body sensations as information, sensations that can be explored with trust. 3. Support attention regulation across practice. Use breath cues and mindful pauses to strengthen students’ ability to regulate attention toward internal states, a key component tied to well-being gains. 4. Structure classes to reinforce reflective practice. Close with reflective questions or journaling prompts like: “What did you notice internally today?” “Where did kindness show up in your practice?”These help bridge the physical and emotional layers. 5. Encourage regular, consistent practice. The study saw links between amount practiced and self-compassion gains suggesting consistency matters more than intensity.

Hey everyone! It's been a hot minute since I've posted on here. The CALENDAR here has been updated along the way, but I appreciate you may not be checking in. So, here's what's coming up. More info and the relevant booking links can be found in the calendar. - March 8: Les Mills BODYBALANCE 107 quarterly webinar for certified BODYBALANCE Instructors. - March 23: MY KIND OF YOGA Ambassador monthly Yoga Circle. - March 28-30: International Fitness Showcase in Blackpool, UK that's open to everyone. - April 5: Yoga Pop-Up Experience for instructors and enthusiasts, in Fleet, Hampshire, UK. - April 12: Yoga Pop-Up Experience for instructors and enthusiasts, in Bristol, UK. - April 13: MY KIND OF YOGA Ambassador Huddle, for Ambassadors. - May: KettleflowYOGA certification workshop. Date TBC. - May: Yoga Sutra for Midlife 6-week online course. Date TBC. - May 10-11: Yoga Pop-Up Retreat, Yoga Chew Valley, nr Bristol, UK. Message me or pop a comment below. Some discounts available, so always ask.