Six Health Benefits Of Yoga

*This is a collaborative post on the benefits of yoga

2020 has been a tough year on us all so now more than ever it’s important to be kind to our bodies. Many of us have been taking our mental health and wellbeing more seriously and practicing in selfcare. And part of that is through exercise and mindfulness which can be found in yoga.

Yoga is an ancient exercise that is gentle so suitable for all ages and types of people. You don’t need much to get started with yoga just comfortable clothing, a towel, water and a yoga mat. Over time you may add to your tool collection but they’re not essential.

The health benefits of yoga

It makes you feel happier

This is more an advocate for all exercise as this promotes the release of endorphins which make you happier. These endorphons can ease stress and pain and help and increase the ability to sleep.

It reduces stress and improves your mental health

Your mental health is so important, especially at the moment and takes a holistic approach through yoga can be beneficial to keep the mind and body connected. By getting in contact with your body you can reduce your stress levels and keep you relaxed through controlled breathing and meditation.

Health benefits of yoga: Improves flexibility

This is the biggest reason I want to try yoga again because I am not flexible. Yoga is more than just touching your toes but will help you move better and loosen up the muscles so you’re more flexible. By doing this you’ll be able to move better and won’t feel as stiff. You may also find aches and pains begin to fade and disappear. It can take as little of 8 weeks of practice to improve your flexibility.

Increase muscle strength

Another of the health benefits of yoga is increasing muscle strength which is very important. Yoga helps to stretch and tones muscle which increases endurance. When you get older it isn’t just our bones that get affected, it affects muscles as well. So by keeping your body strong it can keep you healthier in later life such as protecting joints that can be affected by arthritis.

Health benefits of yoga: Improves posture

Most of us don’t sit or stand properly, I know I don’t and that’s down to sitting at a desk for too many hours of the day. This can cause neck and lower back problems which can lead to nastier problems like arthritis of the spine. By practicing yoga you can improve your posture by stretching and strengthening the muscles in your shoulders and abdominals. The website Rolling Paper offers information on the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and cites yoga as a natural means of dealing with pain, being particularly effective in the relief of lower back pain.

Weight Loss

Like most other forms of exercise yoga can help you lose weight. If you practice everyday then yoga can burn fat, control your hunger and balance your metabolism so you lose weight. To help you maintain a healthy weight it can help balance out hormone levels, blood sugars and cholestrol.

There are many more health benefits of yoga including:

• Helps your bone health
• Increases blood flow
• Drops your blood pressure
• Improves balance
• And so much more

Have you ever practiced yoga before?