How yoga boosts the mind and body

Yoga is a form of low-impact exercise that has been shown to reduce stress hormone levels in our bodies, whilst increasing endorphins which can help decrease anxiety and improve your mood. As well as boosting mental wellness, yoga also improves the wellness of the body. There are many benefits to introducing yoga into your life, this article will discuss some of the benefits.

Yoga can increase strength

Although yoga is mainly associated with stretching and flexibility, some types of yoga can be considered as strength-building, depending on the approach, class level, and teacher. Yoga focuses on using endurance moves which can build muscular strength over time. However, if you are looking to build muscle through strength training, yoga would not be recommended.

Yoga could help with stress relief

The physical aspect of yoga, combined with breathwork and meditation, has the potential to significantly lessen tension and relieve stress. Regular yoga practice has been shown to create mental calmness and clarity as it increases body awareness which can relieve chronic stress patterns and relax the mind. 

May reduce anxiety 

When an individual has anxiety, their vagus nerve is key to modulating fight, flight or freeze as a stress response. The parasympathetic nervous system helps your body feel safe and calm. Various aspects of yoga stimulate this system by enhancing our understanding of how we perceive sensations arising in the body. Developing these understandings can promote the reduction of anxiety.

Improves flexibility

Flexibility is an important component of good physical health. Yoga offers an array of styles to choose from, which varies from high intensity, to moderate and mild. Even the lowest intensity styles have been found to increase flexibility. Developing your flexibility can help improve your physical day-to-day activities and decrease your risk of injury. 

Better balance

Instead of focusing on being still and mastering poses, in yoga balance comes from developing your strength, mastering transitions, and movement. Yoga has been shown to improve balance and overall performance in athletes. Balance is also used daily for simple activities such as reaching up to a shelf, picking something up or even walking down stairs. These practices help us to align ourselves and understand our centre of gravity. Balance is crucial for maintaining good physical health as it can reduce the likelihood of falls and injuries while also enhancing coordination and posture.

The Takeaways

If you are looking for a low-impact exercise that could have the ability to reduce stress and anxiety and improve flexibility and balance, yoga could be for you. When looking to start practising yoga there are many options to choose from. You can find youtube videos and workout from home, or find local classes that would come at a cost but are followed in-person by an instructor. 

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