Ann Swanson Wellness
Order my new book SCIENCE OF YOGA 2nd edition. See Links below
Ann is a mind-body science educator, yoga therapist, and author of SCIENCE OF YOGA and Meditation for the Real World. She supports people in living happier, healthier lives, by making wellness non-intimidating and accessible to everybody. With a Master of Science in yoga therapy and roots studying yoga in India and tai chi and qi gong in China, she uniquely applies cutting-edge research to mind-body practices while maintaining the heart of the traditions. Her practical tips and online classes help busy people worldwide relieve pain, manage stress, and find ease.
Ann Swanson Wellness
Go watch my latest interview for the @YogaWithJake Podcast! 🎙️
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 2
View 0 replies
Ann Swanson Wellness
Check out my latest interview with @psychicmatters to discover practical ways to integrate meditation into your daily life, debunk common myths, and learn how even the busiest minds can find peace!
3 months ago | [YT] | 1
View 0 replies
Ann Swanson Wellness
Check out this brand new interview I did for the @thebreakoutpodcast on the science-backed benefits of both yoga and meditation! 🎙️
3 months ago | [YT] | 0
View 0 replies
Ann Swanson Wellness
Declutter your mind with meditation! If you are striving to declutter your life this is the podcast for you :) @JanetMTaylor
5 months ago | [YT] | 2
View 1 reply
Ann Swanson Wellness
Discover the profound benefits of incorporating science-backed meditations into your everyday life in my interview for the @RefocusedNetwork 🧘
7 months ago | [YT] | 0
View 0 replies
Ann Swanson Wellness
Check out my latest interview with @thefemininjaproject 🎧
7 months ago | [YT] | 0
View 0 replies
Ann Swanson Wellness
What does meditation unite for you? 🤔
8 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 31
View 7 replies
Ann Swanson Wellness
🧠Meditation helps train your brain to optimize the release of dopamine levels
It gives you a natural mood boost without the intense highs and lows 😌
Over time, meditation can lead to changes in the brain's structure and function, particularly in regions associated with
👀attention,
😢😊emotion regulation,
📵and self-control
Go to www.annswansonwellness.com/mtt-interest to learn research-backed meditation techniques to help you in everyday life (and how to guide others) in the Meditation for the Real World Teacher Training!
Kjaer, et al. (2002). Increased dopamine tone during meditation-induced change of consciousness. Cognitive brain research.
Fialoke, S., et al. (2024). Functional connectivity changes in meditators and novices during yoga nidra practice. Scientific Reports.
Krishnakumar, D., et al. (2015). Meditation and Yoga can Modulate Brain Mechanisms that affect Behavior and Anxiety-A Modern Scientific Perspective. Ancient science.
Balasubramaniam, M., et al. (2013). Yoga on our minds: a systematic review of yoga for neuropsychiatric disorders. Frontiers in psychiatry.
Hölzel, B. et al. (2011). Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density. Psychiatry research.
Alt text from cards:
Yoga nidra can increase dopamine by 65%.
Dysfunction of your dopamine reward system is associated with anxiety and addiction. People with anxiety often seek dopamine bursts through anticipating reward (like in cell phone addiction pictured).
Meditation has been showing to regulate dopamine.
Brain scans of yoga nidra teachers practicing show dopamine increased by 65%.
8 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 22
View 0 replies
Ann Swanson Wellness
What others would you add? 😂⬇️
8 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 12
View 1 reply
Ann Swanson Wellness
They all use science-backed visualization techniques, such as ⬇️
🧠 visual motor imagery- visualizing yourself moving
🧠 kinesthetic motor imagery- visualizing the feelings associated with the movement
Research shows visualization (even with NO movement seated in meditation) can measurably increase strength, flexibility, and performance
To learn how to practice and guide others through science-backed meditations, go to www.annswansonwellness.com/mtt-interest for the Meditation for the Real World Teacher Training
Guillot, A., et al. (2010). Does motor imagery enhance stretching and flexibility? Journal of Sports Sciences.
Iacono, A. D., et al. (2021). Ain’t just imagination! Effects of motor imagery training on strength and power performance of athletes during detraining. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
Lebon, F., et al. (2010). Benefits of motor imagery training on muscle strength. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research.
Ranganathan, V. K., et al. (2004). From mental power to muscle power – gaining strength by using the mind. Neuropsychologia.
Slimani, M., et al. (2016). Effects of Mental Imagery on Muscular Strength in Healthy and Patient Participants: A Systematic Review. Journal of sports science & medicine.
8 months ago | [YT] | 8
View 0 replies
Load more