Have you recently thought about trying something new? Maybe some yoga. Yoga originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Yoga is an ancient system of physical, mental, and spiritual practices. It involves physical poses, concentration/meditation, and deep breathing exercises. Yoga focuses on bringing harmony to the mind and body for healthy living.
Some may think that yoga is just stretching. However they are two completely different exercises. The art of yoga requires you to perform a series of different postures. These postures are completed at different levels of difficulty. On the other hand, stretching incorporates moving your muscles through a full range of motion. Yoga and stretching do share some common goals. This big goal difference is that yoga has goals that relate to a peaceful mind state. Yoga promotes self care.
There is an array of different types of yoga. Make sure you do your research in order to choose the right style of yoga for yourself.
Why yoga? You may ask. Well let's get into the benefits of yoga. Some individuals may think that the only benefits to yoga is increased strength, balance, and flexibility. However there are a great deal of other benefits when it comes down to practicing yoga. Let's take a look at them.
Physical Benefits Include:
Increased Flexibility
Increased Muscle Strength
Increased Muscle Tone
Improves Respiration
Increases Energy
Improves Vitality
Aids in Maintaining a Balanced Metabolism
Can Aid Weight Reduction
Improves Cardio Health
Improves Circulatory Health
Reduces Chronic Pain
Improves Blood Pressure
Improves Athletic Performance
Increases Protection From Injury
Decreases Insomnia
Relieves Carpal Tunnel
Mental Benefits Include:
Improves stress
Increase calmness
Increase Mental Clarity
Sharpens Concentration
Centers Attention
Increases Self Awareness
Increases Body Awareness
Increases Body Positivity
Cultivates Feelings of Empowerment
Relaxes the Mind
Aids in Developing Coping Skills
Increases Positivity
Increases Meditation
Improves Mood
Boots Confidence
Cultivates Discernment
Spiritual Benefits Include:
Cultivates Awareness
Relinquish Control
Mental Focus
Mental Clarity
Calm Mind
Aligns Your Mind Body and Spirit
Transcends Physical Senses
Opens Your Third Eye
Strengthens Your Spiritual Connections (God, Deity, etc)
Provides Sense of Unity
Maintains Inner and Outer Harmony
Anyone can practice yoga. There is no such thing as I can’t do it. Yoga can practice yoga at different levels. Remember we all have to start somewhere. So don’t be afraid to grab your mat and get to it. Also remember these are the reported benefits. The benefits may vary from person to person.
**Yoga should not be performed if you are in a state of exhaustion, have an illness, in a hurry, or in acute stress conditions.**