4 Benefits of Yoga and How it Can Transform Your Life Starting Now!

The benefits of yoga are life changing, and you will reap the rewards in all areas of your life. Even better, anyone can be a yogi!

To be honest, I had never considered myself an athlete. In fact, I still cringe when I remember the agony of middle school gym class. But, when I discovered yoga, an entirely new world opened up to me!

Yoga is unique in the fact that there are several different styles for you to choose from, so you can pick one that’s perfect for you. (Check out the different styles of yoga here.)

Dr. Nevins, a family physician and certified yoga instructor states, “Whether you’re a couch potato or an athlete, size and fitness levels do not matter because there are modifications for every yoga pose and beginner classes in every style.”

4 Benefits of Yoga and How it Can Transform Your Life Starting Now!

Overall Health Benefits of Yoga

In the article, Yoga: A Preventative Medicine, Dr. Natalie Nevins breaks down the benefits of yoga. She states that through yoga you can develop better coping skills and enjoy a more positive outlook on life.

She adds, “Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness; increases body awareness; relieves chronic stress patterns; relaxes the mind; centers attention; and sharpens concentration.”

Yoga and Aging

There are countless benefits of yoga and this is especially true as you age! That’s because yoga has been shown to slow the aging process, strengthen the body, and increase positivity.

Benefits of Yoga

1. Yoga Builds Confidence

Yoga reminds you of who you are at your core. And, it allows you to connect more deeply with your inner self. And, this is so important because everything in life begins with your relationship with self.

Through yoga, you are able to cultivate a nonjudgmental and healthy relationship with you! It’s also a wonderful self care routine that can help you nurture and re-parent your inner child.

Yoga also forces you to test your physical limits. So, it requires that you trust your inner voice and let go of perceived limitations. As a result, your self-esteem will soar and you will develop a stronger sense of self-reliance. As a result, you will became a more courageous person which translates to a happier life!

2. Yoga Benefits the Mind

Studies show that yoga alleviates depression and anxiety because it brings you into presence. And, when you are focused on mastering yoga postures you forget the outside world and the troubles of daily life dissolve. It’s just you and your yoga mat! As a result, your stress level is reduced and you enjoy better mental health.

Yoga is also useful in improving your memory and concentration by clearing your mind and calming your senses. With the help of yoga, you can learn to quiet the negative, unhealthy, repetitive thoughts that keep you stuck in the past.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Millions of people suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of past trauma. PTSD can cause you to have nightmares and you may even experience flashbacks to the event. Hatha yoga has been shown to be effective in lessening the effects of these symptoms!

Mindfulness

Another exciting benefit of yoga is mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to emotions, thoughts, sensations, and surroundings in the present moment. So, yoga and meditation can play a significant role in enhancing the quality of your life.

3. Yoga Benefits the Body

In order to get the most out of your yoga practice, it’s important to find the right class for you. So, whether it’s a Bikram Yoga class, or a gentle stretching yoga class, you will increase flexibility.

In yoga postures, tension is applied to the muscle and bone. And, this is great for strengthening bones and improving bone density.

The poses engage many different muscles in the body. As you work to hold a posture while balancing, you strengthen the muscles around your joints.

If your joints are achy or stiff, yoga will have a therapeutic effect. Even low-impact postures will help to loosen your muscles. Practicing yoga over time will protect your joints and lower your risk of injury.

4. Yoga Benefits Your Heart

High cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar can all increase your risk for heart disease. According to Dr. Helene Glassberg, cardiologist at the Penn Heart and Vascular Center, “Yoga, like other forms of exercise, can improve your cholesterol and blood sugar levels by improving metabolism, and can lower blood pressure by improving artery relaxation.”

Yoga is shown to have similar benefits as brisk walking or other similar cardio exercises. A review of yoga and cardiovascular disease published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology indicates that yoga may help lower heart disease risk as much as conventional exercise.

Studies show that yoga can:

• lower your heart rate.
• ease palpitations.
• improve symptoms of heart failure.
• improve blood pressure.
• lower hypertension when you combine postures, breathing and meditation.

Other Benefits of Yoga

• Increased muscle strength and tone
• Improved respiration, energy and vitality
• A balanced metabolism
• Weight reduction
• Cardio and circulatory health
• Improved athletic performance
• Protection from injury

Yoga is a wonderful and gentle way to care for yourself body and mind. In addition, it can be done by just about anyone, anywhere, with no special equipment, except some comfortable clothing and a yoga mat.

So, whatever style of yoga you choose to practice, you’ll be taking a step toward being your best self! And, you will find yourself feeling happier, more resilient, and more confident. You never know what transformations may happen in your life when you tap into your inner warrior!

Have you tried yoga? Is there one particular style of yoga that you enjoy? What types of yoga have you tried and how has yoga benefited your life? Comment below to get the conversation started!

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