7 Reasons You Should Do Yoga

Today I am launching my online seven day yoga program plus three class pack, BLISS, for digital download, so I decided to write a short article on six reasons you should do yoga! As a busy model I found the only exercise I could do while traveling and stay consistent was Yoga. Before that I struggled to stay in the shape I needed to be in for my career. But after I found this amazing Yoga lifestyle, I could keep the shape I wanted, and enjoy life at the same time. There are a lot of random claims about yoga circulating on the internet so I gathered some scientific facts from peer reviewed scientific journals and meta-analysis studies:

1) The meditative aspect of yoga can help you control your emotions.

Participants who completed eight weeks of meditation had reduced activity in the right amygdala, even when not meditating. The amygdala is the part of the brain involved with emotions and fear. This is one of the many reasons you are left feeling relaxed and at peace after yoga.

2) Yoga can help reduce inflammation.

Yoga and other mind-body practices can reduce markers of inflammation such as C reactive protein. C reactive protein is made by the liver, and is released into the blood stream in response to inflammation. Inflammation is associated to many conditions of poor health. Yoga can help improve your overall health and wellbeing.

3) Yoga has the potential to improve mood and anxiety.

Studies have found that the neurotransmitter GABA that is reduced in mood and anxiety disorders, increases after yoga. Yoga practices can also increase dopamine and serotonin, which are often called the ‘happy chemicals’.

4) Yoga can help you think more clearly.

Meta-analysis studies have shown yoga to be associated with improvements in cognitive function. Is is theorized that this is due to increased blood flow to the brain, and the release of endorphins. Yoga has also been found to improve working memory. Working memory is the part of short term memory that allows us to remember information while in the middle of an activity.

5) Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles.

Circulation is very important in the body, so that your cells can get the nutrients and oxygen they need while removing the waste materials they don’t need. It is recommended to do flexibility exercises twice a week for ten minutes or more, and 30 seconds is the optimal stretch time.

6) Yoga helps strengthen the mind-body connection.

Breathing deeply can bring your mind to the present moment for mindfulness, and help you tune into your thoughts. Throughout the day, we have many thoughts and feelings, but until we sit down and meditate on the present moment, we don’t realize the full extent they have on our body. By mediating, doing yoga, and focusing on the present moment, we can observe how our thought processes try to gravitate away from the present moment. This allows us to strengthen our understanding of how these thoughts influence how we feel. Breathing deeply can also slow the heart rate, and stabilize blood pressure.

7) Yoga poses increase subjective energy.

A 2017 study found that yoga poses not only increase subjective energy, but also state self esteem increases in comparison to power-poses performed.

Yoga is undoubtedly great for your health. Whether you are new to yoga, or an intermediate-level yogi, definitely check out my program that launched today! In addition to seven online classes, the program has bonus videos, and a guided meditation that will help you focus on the present moment. Check out www.blissyogaclass.com below. If you register be sure to grab a yoga block and strap, as these are used throughout the program!