1. Lowers stress levels
Yoga can help reduce stress by using techniques such as controlled breathing, meditation, physical movement, mental imagery and stretching. Yoga poses such as Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana to Bitilasana), Child’s Pose (Balasana), and Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani) can help create an inward focus and restore energy while calming the mind. Yoga has also been found to help with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by reducing intrusive memories and emotional arousal while producing calmer, steadier breathing
2. Reduces depression and anxiety
Yoga can help reduce depression and anxiety by reducing levels of stress hormones in the body. Yoga therapy is a gentle exercise that incorporates both meditation and controlled, physical movements. The focus on deep breathing and stretching your body is effective for relieving the symptoms of depression, such as sleep troubles, pain, and a loss of energy. Studies have shown that yoga therapy can help with stress, anxiety, and depression. One study on participants with major depression found that 20 sessions of yoga led to an elevation of mood and reduction of anger and anxiety. Another study on young adults with mild depression found that biweekly yoga classes resulted in improved mood and reduced anxiety and fatigue.
3. Improves focus, memory, and cognition
Yoga can help improve focus, memory, and cognition by increasing blood flow to the brain and reducing stress levels. Yoga also helps improve cognitive function by increasing the size of the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain responsible for memory. Yoga poses such as Tree Pose (Vrksasana), Eagle Pose (Garudasana), and Warrior III Pose (Virabhadrasana III) can help improve balance and concentration while calming the mind.
4. Increases flexibility
Yoga can help increase flexibility by stretching your muscles and improving your range of motion. Yoga poses such as Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana), and Triangle Pose (Trikonasana) can help stretch your muscles and improve your flexibility.
5. Boosts heart health
Yoga can help boost heart health by reducing stress levels and improving circulation. Yoga poses such as Mountain Pose (Tadasana), Chair Pose (Utkatasana), and Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana II) can help improve circulation and strengthen your heart.
6. Relieves muscle soreness
Yoga can help relieve muscle soreness by stretching your muscles and improving circulation. Yoga poses such as Child’s Pose (Balasana), Pigeon Pose (Kapotasana), and Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana) can help stretch your muscles and relieve muscle soreness.
7. Eases chronic pain
Yoga can help ease chronic pain by reducing inflammation and improving circulation. Yoga poses such as Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana), Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana), and Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) can help stretch your muscles and relieve chronic pain.
8. Aids weight loss
Yoga can help aid weight loss by reducing stress levels and improving circulation. Yoga poses such as Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar), Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana II), and Triangle Pose (Trikonasana) can help improve circulation and burn calories.
9. Improves sleep quality
Yoga can help improve sleep quality by reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation. Yoga poses such as Child’s Pose (Balasana), Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani), and Corpse Pose (Savasana) can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
10. Enhances overall well-being
Yoga can enhance overall well-being by reducing stress levels, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation. Yoga poses such as Mountain Pose (Tadasana), Tree Pose (Vrksasana), and Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana II) can help improve balance and concentration while calming the mind.
Risk Of Doing Yoga
While yoga is generally safe for most people, there are some risks associated with it. Some people may experience muscle soreness or injury if they do not perform the poses correctly. Additionally, some people may experience dizziness or lightheadedness if they do not breathe properly during the poses.
It’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program, including yoga. Your doctor can help you determine if yoga is safe for you and can recommend modifications to the poses if necessary.