Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that combines specific postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation (dhyana) to integrate the mind and body. It has become increasingly popular in today's fast-paced world and it made its way—in various forms and methods—into modern mainstream studios, videos, and homes around the world.
The perks a regular yoga practice has on your posture, balance, and flexibility may be the first changes you notice, but there are some other advantages of practicing yoga on a regular basis:
- Sharpens thinking skills
Your brain is getting a boost when you’re on the mat. In one study, it was found that practicing yoga 1 hour a day, 3 days a week for 3 months had a significant effects on executive functioning, the set of skills you need to set goals, follow multi-step directions, and stay focused.
- Lessens stress and inflammation
Not only does stress feel bad mentally, it wreaks havoc on your innards. When you feel stress, your muscles tense, your breath gets shallow and short, your heart pounds harder (raising blood pressure), and your body releases cortisol, a stress hormone that increases inflammation in your tissues and organs.
A regular yoga practice puts your body at intentional ease, giving it a chance to rest from the effects stress has on your systems.
- Reduces chronic pain
In studies on people with chronic pain conditions, researchers found that yoga can have a positive impact on low back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neck pain. The results for back pain are especially striking as practicing yoga increases mobility and this has been shown as the most effective way to reduce back pain.
In fact, the American College of Physicians recommends yoga as the go-to treatment for chronic low back pain, before medication.
- Balances your hormones and increase fertility
Yoga is known to help bring the entire system back into equilibrium, particularly the glands of the endocrine system whose job is to secrete hormones in the body. Childs pose, for example, has a very soothing and rejuvenating effect on the adrenal glands, which secrete a number of hormones including cortisol, the stress hormone.
- Fosters more mindful eating
For many people, the number one question is “But can yoga help me lose weight?” It can, but maybe not in the way you think.
Research shows that people who practice yoga for at least half an hour once a week for at least four years gain less weight in midlife than people who don’t. People who are overweight typically lose weight under the same conditions.
When you devote time to yoga, you’re more in tune with your body, and that can make you a more intentional eater. You become better at listening to your body’s hunger cues and—more importantly—the signs you’re full and should stop eating.
- Stimulates your creativity and increases your confidence
The sacral chakra (Swadisthana) is the centre of creativity within the subtle body. It is located in the region of the tailbone/sacrum so asanas that activate this area will also ignite your creative flow.
And, on so many levels, yoga can help you become more self-confident as it gives you a practical way of developing internal and external qualities such as strength, balance and focus and when we see improvements in our practice, our confidence naturally increases. On an energetic level, the solar plexus chakra (Manipura) relates to confidence, so including postures that stimulate and work this chakra will see you striding through life in no time.
Lastly, do not forget how versatile yoga is. It is suitable for people of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds. Yoga is an inclusive practice that can be adapted to meet individual needs and goals.
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