James Chapman Yoga & Massage

24/02/2026

Last year I was asked to teach the yoga classes on a pilot study for the University of Westminster and I am delighted to see the preliminary results..

The study involving 21 male UoW students was conducted to examine the acceptability of the Yoga4Men* programme, and the impact on psychosocial and psychophysiological mental health outcomes. The study used questionnaires, saliva samples (to measure the stress hormone cortisol), and open-ended questions and interviews to understand participants’ experiences and any changes in their health and wellbeing.

 Key findings/highlights: 

• Participation in the yoga programme was associated with a significant decrease in loneliness. 

• There were also trends towards improvements in wellbeing and decreases in depression and fatigue. 

 • Salivary cortisol data indicated decreases in cortisol following engagement in Yoga4Men. • Participants reported high levels of enjoyment and utilisation of the breathing practices to help manage stress in their daily lives.  

• Other reported benefits included experiencing greater calm and control, and the development of healthier routines. 

• Despite motivation to attend each week, this could be hindered by academic, professional, and life-related commitments.  

• A quieter location was needed to maximise benefits of the course and to ensure it is inclusive to neurodiverse students. 

The University of Westminster are looking to expand this project to the wider community and specifically men aged 40+ from marginalised communities. If you think you can help in any way be it participation (student or teacher), promotion or funding please get in touch. 

* An 8-week programme specifically tailored for men aiming to provide a supportive space for men to engage with yoga practices that support both mental and physical wellbeing. The course focussed on building resilience, connection, and self-awareness, includes extensive resources (manual and videos), and was led by a male instructor - me!

18/09/2025

Word

Asana has nowadays been reduced to the pursuit of the external shape of the postures. The deeper goal of asana in classical yoga is not only for the body. The goal is to change your mind, your senses, and your behavior, so that they way you see yourself and the world is fundamentally transformed for the better - moving toward steadiness, kindness, and peace.

⭐️ Book link: Krishnamacharya: His Life and Teachings. See more at: https://geni.us/Z9FZe.
👉 The Svastha Yoga Therapy Training (IAYT accredited) offers comprehensive 300 and 800-hour programs, now available online. Explore more at: on.svastha.net/3QTTMm3

27/08/2025

Ooh look! I'm featured in Yogamatters blog. Yoga poses to find safety in stillness.

https://blog.yogamatters.com/yoga-poses-for-safety-in-stillnes

Modern life sees many of us constantly on the go, we rarely get the chance to relax – and I mean really, deeply relax. To go from a state of action to proper relaxation can be challenging so it’s important to gradually unwind and allow the nervous system time to soothe. A great tool we can use t...

06/07/2025

Great to be teaching some public group classes again back at . Covering yoga granny & restorative for the wonderful 😍

26/03/2025

A one day online course for anyone who lives with, works with, or supports a young person aged 8-18.

Giving you
🔸️An understanding of common mental health issues and how they affect young people, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and psychosis
🔸️The ability to spot the signs of mental ill health in young people and guide them to a place of support
🔸️Knowledge and confidence to have conversations around mental health and support positive wellbeing

Our next course is on Wednesday 2nd April 9.00-17.00

Find out more and book online
➡️ allaboutthemind.com

26/02/2025

Posted • All set up and ready to go for week 4 of the Yoga4Men research project at Westminster University.

26/02/2025

Posted • The Government is siding with big tech over British creativity.

Today is the FINAL chance to respond to their consultation on AI and copyright.

If you're a creator, make sure your voice is heard.

Check for guidance on submitting.

19/02/2025

Lovely to see my wife's book being shared in a yoga class.

Posted • The very sweetest Bedtime Storytime Yoga yesterday evening ❤️

🌙 “I Am Here” mantras to ground us all in the present, together.
🌙 Many variations of Boat Pose
🌙 Practicing using our belly as the ocean and our hand as the boat, “Watch the boat as it floats on the ocean. It rises and falls with your breath’s gentle motion.”
🌙 Learning strategies to calm down our thinking brain so that we are able to fall asleep
⭐️ Cozy Savasana under the stars

We’ll be back on Tuesday, March 18th at 6:30pm!

03/02/2025

23/01/2025

Posted • Have you ever noticed how time seems to slow down—or even pause—when you’re on your mat? This isn’t just a feeling; it’s your brain at work.
Time perception is regulated by key brain regions—the insula (associated with processing body awareness), prefrontal cortex (connected with attention, focus, and planning), and parietal lobe (linked to spatial and temporal awareness)—which work together to process sensory input, self-awareness, and emotional states.

Yoga engages these structures in specific ways that shift how you experience time:
-The insula is activated through mindful focus on internal sensations, such as the rhythm of your breath or the stretch of your muscles. This heightened awareness anchors you in the present moment, reducing mental wandering.
-The prefrontal cortex becomes more engaged during deliberate attention to your movements and breathing patterns, filtering out distractions and calming overactive thoughts that make time feel fragmented or rushed.
-The parietal lobe experiences reduced hyperactivity during yoga, which helps balance your perception of space and time. This can create a feeling of fluidity and expansiveness in the present.

Together, these regions form an interconnected network that yoga synchronises through its combination of mindful breathing, body awareness, and intentional movement. This harmonisation calms overactivity in the brain and fosters a focused state where time feels more expansive and grounded.

Why Does This Matter?
-Experiencing time more mindfully has profound benefits:
Reduced Stress: When time feels less rushed, you can approach tasks and decisions with calm and clarity.
-Increased Presence: Living in the moment heightens your ability to savour experiences and find joy in the small things.
-Better Emotional Regulation: Staying present makes it easier to manage emotional responses without being overwhelmed by past regrets or future anxieties.

Next time you practice yoga, notice how time feels. The intentional movements and mindful breathing are training your brain to perceive time differently—calmly, clearly, and expansively. Have you experienced this in your practice

10/01/2025

Posted • ⭐️ New Blog Post ⭐️

Find out about worry time and how to use it to help children and young adults manage anxiety and stress.

Link in bio.
https://allaboutthemind.com/2025/01/10/worry-time/

30/11/2024

Last chance to book!

An introductory course for anyone who lives with, works with or supports a young person aged 8-18.

Learn about
🔸️Some of the common mental health issues affecting young people, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and psychosis
🔸️Skills to work more effectively with young people living with mental health issues
🔸️Ways to support young people with a mental health issue and relate to their experiences

Our next course is on Thursday 5th December 9.30-13.00

Find out more and book online
➡️ allaboutthemind.com