Why You Should Practice Yoga

Benefits of Yoga

The term Yoga has been derived from “yuj”, a Sanskrit word that means “to join” or “to unite”. Yoga adopts a holistic approach to wellbeing by combining asanas, breathing techniques, postures, and focused concentration to bring about integration of the body, mind, and spirit.

Yoga has been popular in Eastern traditional societies for centuries and today, it is a globally renowned practice that many individuals are making use of around the world. Although not primarily considered a form of exercise, yoga offers several benefits physical as well as psychological health benefits that have succeeded in making it such a popular practice today.

Greater flexibility

The various asanas in Yoga are designed with specific focus on increasing flexibility and balance in individuals. Higher flexibility makes it possible for muscles to be stretched and increases circulation within the body, enabling nutrients and oxygen to be transported throughout the body. There is a mind and body connection that is always present. I find that the more I stretch my body, my mind and heart become more open as well.

“Yoga is the ultimate practice. It simultaneously stimulates our inner light and quiets our overactive minds. It is both energy and rest. Yin and Yang. We feel the burn and find our bliss.” ~Elise Joan

Stress and anxiety reduction

Yoga has been found to reduce the release of cortisol in practitioners, making it a great method for stress and anxiety reduction. Yoga movements incorporate breathing and focus on a sense of peace, integrating the body, mind, and spirit. This builds our resilience and makes it easier to cope with life’s stressors.

Reduced cortisol levels in the body have another effect on the body. They keep the levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin in check which is strongly linked to depression. By doing this, yoga becomes a powerful means of alleviating symptoms of depression as well.

Better cardiovascular functioning

Practicing yoga can significantly reduce blood pressure and inflammation in the body, offering protection from strokes, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. It can even slow down the progression of heart disease in patients already suffering from it. It even lowers LDL cholesterol and blood glucose levels while raising the level of HDL cholesterol, a very important component for the health of diabetics. In this way, yoga promotes better cardiovascular functioning and overall quality of life for those regularly practicing it.

Greater sleep quality

Yoga is a great way to get better sleep and this is for 2 reasons. It relaxes the mind and body, offering relief from stress, depression, and anxiety – conditions that negatively impact sleep quality. Another way that yoga impacts sleep quality is by increasing melatonin secretion which is responsible for the regulation of sleep and wakefulness. Practicing yoga has been found to lead to improved sleep quality, lesser sleep disturbances, higher duration of sleep, and lesser reliance on sleeping pills. It also helps people feel more rested the morning after.

Pain control

Yoga has been found to be an effective practice for relieving chronic pain in individuals. For conditions like osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, yoga practice can bring about greater pain control and pain relief, empowering those suffering from such conditions to take charge of their pain experience.

Improved breathing

Yoga incorporates several breathing techniques and lays strong emphasis on breath control. It has been found to considerably raise the vital capacity of the lungs which refers to the maximum quantity of air that the lungs can expel at a given time. Greater breath control and improved lung capacity makes it a highly effective practice especially for those struggling with breathing problems like asthma.

Lesser migraines

Practicing yoga can result in stimulation of the vagus nerve, which is extremely effective in offering relief from migraines. Yoga can reduce the intensity and frequency of migraines while also reducing the reliance on medication for migraine headaches.

Mindful eating

Mindfulness is a popular concept in yoga which focuses on being present in the moment without worrying about the past or future. It requires one to have a heightened sense of awareness of the present and this is also applicable to eating. Mindful eating requires you to make more informed choices about calorie intake, foods being eaten, healthy eating practices and encourages healthy behaviors related to food. It can also help control behavior for people suffering from several eating disorders.

“The nature of yoga is to shine the light of awareness into the darkest corners of the body.” ~Jason Crandell

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