8 Unexpected Benefits of Practicing Yoga!
It’s time to unroll your yoga mat and start experiencing some of the most obvious benefits of yoga- stress relief, increased flexibility, and a general sense of calmness. But did you know, participating in a yoga program can also greatly benefit your work, relationships, brain health, and much more?
That’s right, yoga is not just about twisting yourself into a pretzel, (nor do you have to be flexible to start a yoga practice) wearing spandex, or burning incense.
Yoga is a mind and body practice that helps bring physical, mental, and emotional balance into your life. Yoga can help you cultivate a sense of connection and well-being.
Although many start a yoga practice to increase flexibility and strength, many continue to practice regularly because they experience additional benefits. Benefits that extend to their personal and professional lives.
Some of the more Common Benefits are:
- Increased Strength and Flexibility
- Stress relief
- Sense of calmness
- Reduced aches and pains
- Better sleep
8 Unexpected Benefits of Practicing Yoga
1. Brain Health – The practice of yoga and meditation helps to improve concentration, reduce mental fog, and more. Thanks to neuroscience, we‘ve learned how meditation can positively affect your brain. Check out my blog post about Meditation for Brain Health
2. Less painful PMS – Gentle yoga practices and specific poses (legs up the wall, child pose, etc.) can help you reduce bloating, cramps, and balance emotions.
3. Boosts your immune system – A regular yoga practice provides support for your immune system by helping reduce the production of stress hormones that weaken the immune system. Yoga poses boost the lymphatic system, helping the body get rid of toxins.
4. Deeper Spiritual Connection – The practice of yoga and meditation helps quiet the mind, increase a sense of inner peace and establish a deeper spiritual connection.
Want to start a meditation practice?
5. Increased energy and stamina –
Yoga is an excellent all-natural energy booster. Regular practice increases the production of feel-good hormones (endorphins). A yoga practice, we are breathing mindfully and deeply increasing the intake of oxygen into the body. We are able to release tension and tightness (which can drain the body of energy). The circulation of blood flow through the body increases. Try a series of Sun Salutations or energizing yoga poses to combat fatigue and give yourself an energy boost.
6. Boosts Confidence and self-esteem: Research shows people who practice yoga 1-2 times per week had a better body image and self-esteem. Through the practice of yoga, we begin to see ourselves through a different lens. As our body posture improves, we find a new appreciation for what our bodies are capable of doing. Yoga aids mental and physical strength development. There many yoga poses and mudras that can help you Step Into Your Power. You will consistently feel empowered and more confident.
7. Can make you a better athlete: Whether you are a football player or a golfer, yoga works to loosen and stretch tightened muscles. It can show you areas where you can become stronger and reduce the chances of getting injured. There is a reason many pro athletes are incorporating yoga into their workout routines. Also, Yoga ensures active recovery, when practiced regularly.
8. Improve Digestion: Yoga poses and yogic breathing techniques stimulate our digestive and elimination system. These poses and breathing techniques increase circulation in the internal organs and assist them in removing toxic waste. Try poses like seated or supine twist, triangle pose, revolved triangle, camel pose, and seated forward bend.
Want More?
You can enjoy the befits of a regular yoga practice with my Sacred Movement Online Studio For Mindful and Healthy Living.
