Yoga is an ancient yet modern practice that’s made up of a unique blend of mind and body. It combines a variety of poses with meditation and breathing exercises to create a form of exercise that has tons of benefits for both your physical and mental health! Plus, yoga comes in many different styles, from relaxing yin yoga to intense power vinyasa yoga, so there’s something to match everyone’s personal preferences. If you’re still not convinced that you should give yoga a try, read on for five great reasons to do so.
1. Yoga increases your flexibility, balance, and strength.
One of the most amazing things about yoga is that there are so many ways to modify poses–so that absolutely everyone, regardless of their current level of physical fitness or flexibility, is able to reap the benefits of each pose. Regular yoga practice not only increases your flexibility, but it also improves your balance and makes you stronger overall. It’s a great way to tone your muscles, stretch out at the beginning or end of your day, and help you find balance–not just physical balance, but also mental and spiritual balance!
2. Yoga is a great method for managing mental health disorders such as OCD.
If you live with a mental health disorder, you may benefit greatly from yoga! When examining the relationship between Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and yoga, for instance, studies have shown that a regular yoga practice helps to manage the intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that are the hallmarks of the disorder. Plus, yoga decreases the amount of cortisol (the stress hormone) that is released by your brain, helping those with OCD and other mental health disorders to relax and embrace a calmer mindset. For more information on OCD, take a look at https://www.mind-diagnostics.org/blog/obsessive-compulsive-disorder. Yoga benefits those who don’t have mental health disorders as well; it improves mental wellbeing and overall quality of life.
3. Yoga can lead to increased energy and brighter moods.
Doing yoga releases endorphins that give your mood an instant boost. Plus, a regular yoga practice increases both mental and physical energy, as well as provides you with more alertness and enthusiasm. Yoga’s focus on acceptance and gratitude also contributes to more positive thinking and brighter moods overall.
4. Yoga improves your physical health in many ways.
There are multiple ways that yoga can improve and enhance your physical health. For example, yoga decreases inflammation in the body. Since some diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease can be linked to chronic inflammation, yoga can be a great way to combat them. In addition, yoga promotes good heart health, and those who regularly practice yoga tend to have lower heart rates and blood pressure. Regular yoga can also slow the progression of heart disease. Plus, it improves cardiovascular health and can even increase your lung capacity.
5. Yoga connects you with a supportive community.
Whether you attend yoga classes in person or connect with the online yoga community, you’re sure to be surrounded by supportive, nurturing individuals. As a practice, yoga has a huge focus on acceptance, which means that the vast majority of people who regularly practice yoga are very accepting and kind to others. In addition, the yoga community tends to be nonjudgmental. Regardless of where you are in your yoga journey or in the journey of life, you’re likely to find friendly and helpful people who accept you for who you are and where you’re at.
Main Takeaways
With so many amazing benefits, it’s surprising to think that many people are still resistant to giving yoga a chance! Since yoga has numerous advantages for both physical and mental health (and no drawbacks, as long as it is practiced correctly), there’s really no risk involved in giving yoga a try. Find a style that appeals to you, and watch as your flexibility, balance, and strength increase. You’re also likely to find that it becomes easier to manage stress and anxiety and that you have more energy and feel happier overall. Finally, you’re sure to appreciate the supportive community of others who practice yoga.
