5 Amazing Benefits of Practicing Yoga
It is rightly said that Yoga is a way of life. Yoga can be a lifestyle changer. It is a holistic approach to life and is more than just achieving the goals of a fit and flexible body. Most of the modern-day problems are caused due to our lifestyle. The benefits of practicing yoga can be experienced at a physical, mental, and spiritual level.
Today, answer to the question of what is yoga? can easily be found online. But one should thread with caution and stay away from myths that associate it to religion or claim that it is only meant for a flexible body. Yoga is a universal practice and is for every-BODY. Yes, Yoga can make you flexible – not just in the body but also in the mind.
The therapeutic benefits of practicing yoga are listed below
1. Supple Body
Yoga increases the flexibility of various joints and muscle groups in the body which increases their range of motion and shock absorption capacity. This helps prevent injury and can also assist with speedy recovery in case of an injury. Lack of movement leads to stiff and rigid joints. A human body is meant to be mobile and hence limited range of motion can lead to various musculoskeletal disorders. Yoga can help make the body supple and strong. The spine is the backbone of the human body. Regular practice of various yoga asanas improves spinal circulation, making it strong and flexible. This in turn helps to correct alignment and improves posture. Further, enhanced mindfulness from the practice reminds us to maintain a correct posture in daily life as well. Yoga helps in maintaining an overall healthy life.
2. Healthy Organs
As conscious living is an integral part of yoga, pranayamas help to regulate bioenergy flowing in the body. Free flow of prana or bioenergy, ensures that every cell in the body receives a sufficient amount of oxygenated blood. This in turn helps the body to function efficiently. Yoga treats a Human from within. It requires a strong mind-body connection to make this possible. The benefits of practicing yoga mechanically can give results at the physical level only. But yoga is not to be treated as a mechanical exercise. Conscious breathing helps improve respiration and keeps the various respiratory organs in good health. Thus, it is extremely beneficial for people suffering from respiratory disorders. Improved lung capacity enhances breathing and provides respite in case of shortness of breath.
3. Concentrated Mind
As yoga involves mindful movements in synchronization with the breath, it increases focus and concentration as well as improves balance. This reference of balance refers not just at the physical level but also at the mental and emotional level. Mindfulness is an essential aspect. Yoga is about conscious living. The ultimate aim of yoga is a clear and crystal mind. Once the chaos and clutter in the mind are tackled, the body can be trained accordingly. One can come to Yoga as recourse for curing an ailment as well as a tool for prevention. The benefits of practicing yoga consistently, patiently, and mindfully are manifold.
4. Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Modern-day stress and anxiety cause havoc on the mind. This may also lead to emotional turmoil and spiritual disconnection. Yoga can help relax and calm the mind. The practice of body-mind symphony leads to a balanced state of mind which is tranquil, calm, and at peace. Regular practice helps in managing emotional upheaval and induces a meditative state of mind. It reduces the clutter in the mind and brings about clarity which helps in developing one-pointedness. Mechanical living draws us to materialistic pleasures and the accompanying pain and suffering caused by it. Yoga can help us broaden our horizons and achieve a higher purpose in life.
5. Lastly, the benefits of practicing yoga as a Complimentary therapy
Yoga also helps in curing many diseases by following a balanced diet – one which is fresh, nutritious, and easy to digest. Yoga practice helps improve the functioning of various organs by providing a fresh supply of oxygenated blood throughout the body. Conscious living through the practice of yoga coupled with timely adherence to conventional medicine can help revive one's health.
The benefits of practicing yoga regularly can help one to live a longer, healthier, and happy life. It helps one to face the challenging situations of life with ease. This is because conscious living enhances our awareness not only of our own self but also our surroundings. The more alert and aware we become, we are able to take better decisions in life regarding our health and well-being. A strong mind leads to a strong body which in turn leads to a strong human being. Yoga does not make life better; it just makes you better at life.
About the Author
Karen is a content contributor at Life Positive. She is also a certified yoga trainer and has completed her advanced teachers' training in yoga education from The Yoga Insitute.
