Benefits of Yoga
Richard Meadow explains why you should perhaps start Yoga.
Yoga is an ancient practice that aims to connect the mind, body, and spirit. It can be incredibly beneficial for your physical health as well as your mental wellbeing. The best part is all ages can practice it, and you do not even need to attend an expensive yoga class. Many people enjoy Yoga in the comfort of their home with just a yoga mat and a few rehearsed moves.
Recently, it has grown in popularity as we begin to discover more reasons why it is beneficial to our health. Those who practice yoga regularly report how it can be positive for weight loss as well as even cardiovascular health.
So, if that is not enough to convince you, here are eight reasons why you should start doing yoga:
It Relieves Stress
Yoga is recommended by many doctors, and even physiotherapists, as a great way to relieve your body of stress. The relaxing moves can help you cope with the physical toll that stress can have on your body, undoing tension in the muscles. It can promote a sense of calmness, as it lowers the stress hormone known as cortisol. After a busy working week, yoga can be a great way to de-stress and switch off from work mode.
Improves Mood
Many doctors recommend yoga, and even physiotherapists, as a great way to relieve your body of stress. Exercise is known to increase the hormone serotonin, also known as the "happy hormone". Essentially, it releases endorphins that promote positive energy. Due to the fact it makes you feel more content, it is also the perfect aid for those who suffer from depression or anxiety. If you are feeling unhappy or you have had a bad day, there is nothing better than zoning out with a few yoga moves and forgetting the pressures of the day.
Helps Weight Loss & Tones Muscles
Grab your muscle-fit hoodie and tracksuit bottoms and forget about the gym. Stay at home and do yoga instead. All you will require is a yoga mat and perhaps some calming music to help you ease into it. You do not even need to practice any particularly challenging moves to lose weight. Gentle yoga works well at toning the muscles, fuelling metabolic activity in your body. There are also more intermediate moves as you become more advanced.
Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation can be a symptom of many more serious diseases and ailments. It can affect anyone at any point in their life, but it is often associated with old age as your bones start to weaken. Yoga can help to reduce inflammation thanks to the slow movements and support of the muscles. This is why many elderly citizens choose yoga as their preferred physical activity.
Raises Energy
Though generally, those who practice yoga are looking to unwind, it can also be great for helping you wake up in the morning. Yoga ups your energy levels. Because of the unique breathing techniques, it can make you feel refreshed and energised – like you have got a weight off your shoulders. Many people cite yoga as awakening the body's energy centres known as chakras.
Promotes Cardiovascular Health
Studies are showing that yoga can also improve heart health as it decreases a lot of risk factors that can lead to serious heart diseases. When combined with a healthy lifestyle, it can lower blood pressure. You may not decide to take up yoga purely because of its healthy heart benefits, but it is undoubtedly a good perk.
Better Sleep
If you have trouble sleeping, then you may find that yoga can improve your ability to drift off. Though many believe that going to the gym and doing cardio is a good way to wear your body out, it can just increase your energy levels, making it more difficult to get to sleep. Sleep deprivation is accompanied by numerous health concerns, such as high blood pressure, depression, and fatigue. Practicing yoga can help to improve your sleep quality, as well as the duration.
Improves Flexibility
Yoga can improve your flexibility as the stretches help to tone muscles. Research has shown that yoga can also improve your balance and improve mobility in older adults. Even if you are only practicing yoga as a weekly hobby, over time you will not be able to help but notice an improvement in your flexibility.
What is Stopping You?
There is no doubt that yoga comes with many incredible health benefits. This simple physical activity can improve your posture, flexibility, mood, energy, and sleep. What is more, it does not even take much time out of your week. Fifteen minutes of yoga every morning or evening is enough to start feeling the benefits. Alternatively, if you do not have the time during the working week, save it until the weekend or join a class at the gym once a week. So put on a gym shirt and start learning the positions.
Page Reference
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- MEADOW, R. (2019) Benefits of Yoga [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article414.htm [Accessed
About the Author
Richard Meadow is a freelance writer that has focus on fitness and wellbeing. He enjoys researching and writing about health/sports and how they can benefit everyone in day-to-day life.