While many people turn to yoga to reduce stress, an equal number go to yoga class in order to experience a greater sense of connection—with themselves and with each other. We come in to class feeling separate, disconnected, even resentful (Why did she put her mat so close to mine?). We leave smiling, warmed by each other (Hope I see her again next week!). Why? According to research, yoga may increase feelings of social connection in several key ways.

Research shows that can yoga improve the function of the vagus nerve, a key nerve in stress resilience. People with low vagal tone tend to have trouble recovering from stressful events, while people with high vagal tone tend to recover with greater ease (see other blog). In addition to indicating one’s level of resilience against stress, vagal tone is also correlated with feelings of social connection. 

Studies suggest that, as a group of yoga students breathes and moves together, a mental synchronization is taking place as well. As our bodies synch, our brains may be synching, too. You leave class feeling a part of something larger than yourself, because your brain has been part of something larger than itself—kind of like a big, happy mind-meld.

It turns out that the ability to be fully present in the moment has a powerful effect on social bonding. When we’re fully present with another person, we increase the likelihood of experiencing a sense of union and connection. Without presence, those benefits are watered down.