An approach to Stress Management based on yoga, provides mental health benefits “above and beyond" more established cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approaches, according to a recent study of healthcare staff.

The study found that a group of healthcare professionals taking part in an eight-week yoga programme increased their levels of physical activity and overall mental health at a higher level than those on a CBT programme. Both groups however, also experienced a range of other mental and physical wellbeing benefits, including an increase in fruit and vegetable intake and lowering of alcohol consumption.