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10 Health Benefits of Yoga

7/16/2017

32 Comments

 
This article will explore ten health benefits found through studies of the practice of yoga including physical, mental and spiritual wellness benefits. Also included are pro tips to increase these benefits as you explore your own practices of yoga. #yoga #health #wellness
​​|The history of yoga can be traced back to ancient times in India (around 5,000 years ago!) which makes it an enduring form of exercise for the mind and body. The practice of yoga has persisted through the years and has made it's way into mainstream health and fitness practices of the present.
​Please note: This article does not contain healthcare or therapeutic advice. If you are concerned about your health or well-being, speak with a health professional or visit your nearest medical facility in an emergency. This is a collaborative article and contains affiliate links.
This article will explore ten health benefits found through studies of the practice of yoga including physical, mental and spiritual wellness benefits. Also included are pro tips to increase these benefits as you explore your own practices of yoga. #yoga #health #wellness

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10 Health Benefits of Yoga

Interestingly, yogajournal.com shares that hatha yoga, which refers to the physical aspects of this practice, "was developed as a vehicle for meditation [and] prepared the body, particularly the nervous system, for stillness, creating the necessary physical strength and stamina that allowed the mind to remain calm".

With this knowledge in mind, it's easy to see that practicing yoga can have positive and beneficial outcomes on both your physical and emotional well-being. This article will explore ten health benefits of yoga in particular. As you read, consider how being a yogi (a male who practices yoga) or yogini (a female who practices yoga) has benefited you personally and share your experiences in the comment section following this article.

If you have yet to practice the discipline of yoga, I hope you consider how trying out this discipline could provide you with a space to enhance your holistic health and well-being. Perhaps you will make yoga part of your own self-care routine, with the mantra from the world's oldest yoga instructor, Tao Porchon-Lynch, who states:
​
"When you wake up every morning say 'this is going to be the best day of my life' and it will be.

10 Health Benefits of Yoga

1. Improves flexibility

  • Practicing yoga over time can help to gradually loosen your muscles and increase flexibility so that one day you can touch your toes.
  • Yoga poses can help you to gently stretch your muscles and increase your range of motion. 

Pro tip: Check out yogajournal.com's selection of yoga poses that can help you with your flexibility in a safe and effective way.

2. Straightens posture

  • Poor posture can lead to back, neck and other muscle and joint problems - practicing yoga can help correct posture issues and even prevent long-term health ailments including arthritis of the spine.
  • ​Moves like downward-facing dog, child's pose, and cat or cow give your back muscles a good stretch and can help to relieve back pain.

3. Improves emotional well-being

  • A study at the University of Wisconsin found that the left prefrontal cortex showed heightened activity in meditators, a finding that has been correlated with greater levels of happiness and better immune function. More dramatic left-sided activation was found in dedicated, long-term practitioners.
  • Also helps to regular adrenal glands which can reduce the risk of depression or feelings of sadness.
​
Pro tip: Add a drop or two of essential oil, such as lavender, to the end of your yoga mat to increase your happiness levels and decrease stress as you're practicing your downward dog.

4. Maintains focus

  • Studies have found that regular yoga practice improves coordination, reaction time, memory, and even IQ scores. 
  • Due to it's repetitive and holding-pattern nature, yoga can help to relieve stress and declutter the mind, helping you to become more focused throughout your day.

5. Reduces pain

  • According to several studies, yoga can reduce pain in people with arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other chronic conditions. When you relieve your pain, your mood improves, you're more inclined to be active, and you don't need as much medication.
  • Yoga can help you stay flexible and strong without putting added stress on your joints and can be beneficial for arthritis sufferers.

Related: At Home Morning Yoga Routine

This article will explore ten health benefits found through studies of the practice of yoga including physical, mental and spiritual wellness benefits. Also included are pro tips to increase these benefits as you explore your own practices of yoga. #yoga #health #wellness

6. Maintains your nervous system

  • Scientists have monitored yogis who could induce unusual heart rhythms, generate specific brain-wave patterns, and, using a meditation technique, raise the temperature of their hands by 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Similar practice can be applied to increasing relaxation for better sleep.
  • Studies also suggest benefits of yoga on neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to rewire and create new and stronger neural pathways with increased and repetitive thoughts and actions). The dedication and repetitiveness found in the practice of yoga can help to create new neural pathways and create positive changes in a persons life (eg healthier eating habits, less destructive behaviours, etc).

7. Boosts immune system

  • Meditation and calming yoga can slow down your heart rate which in turn lowers blood pressure and has also been linked with improving the immune system and lowering cholesterol.
  • Practicing yoga can raise antibody levels in response to a vaccine and lower it when needed.
  • Lower levels of stress following yoga practices can help to safeguard your immune system, lower stress, and even help you to naturally lose weight. 

8. Reduces stress

  • Yoga can ease constipation and other digestive system issues because of movement in your body that facilitates quickening digestion.
  • Breathing techniques used during yoga practice can also boost oxygen levels to the brain, leaving you feeling happier and more content with everyday life.

Pro tip: Listen to a Mindfulness-inspired Podcast during your yoga sessions for an added element of relaxation to your practice.

9. Increases self-esteem

  • The practice of yoga can be a positive approach to regulating negative self-talk or self-esteem and to get to know yourself, and your body, on a more personal and intimate level.
  • The mind-body approach inherent in yoga practices can help you feel relaxed and energized.
  • A reduction in feelings of anxiety allows for a greater internal connection with the self which can boost feelings of confidence and reduces the negative perception from external sources (eg. judgment). 

​10. Builds self-awareness

  • Studies suggest that chronic anger and hostility are as strongly linked to heart attacks as are smoking, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol. Yoga appears to reduce anger by increasing feelings of compassion and interconnection and by calming the nervous system and the mind.​
  • The practice of yoga and mindfulness can help become more comfortable with your body and that changes that it can inevitably go through over a lifetime.

​There are way too many health benefits to list in one blog post.. listen to WedMD's video for even more health benefits from practicing yoga. Pretty incredible!

I have always enjoyed yoga and I always knew that it was beneficial for both the mind and body but after doing my research for this article, I am very surprised at just how many health benefits there really are. This article really just scratches the surface of all of the amazing wellness benefits that yoga can offer. I challenge you to do your own research to find out more, or better yet, grab your yoga gear and start practicing!

More self-care resources:

  • At Home Morning Yoga Routine
  • 5 Discrete Relaxation Techniques
  • The Anatomy of a Great Self-Care Routine​​
​​References: yogajournal.com, webmd.com, healthandfitnesstravel.com, gaiam.com
This article will explore ten health benefits found through studies of the practice of yoga including physical, mental and spiritual wellness benefits. Also included are pro tips to increase these benefits as you explore your own practices of yoga. #yoga #health #wellness
​​Please note: Essential oils are highly concentrated and as such should be used with great care, particularly with children, pregnant women, or those with medical conditions. The statements and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. The links on this page may be embedded with affiliate links that I receive a commission from.
32 Comments
Seamul hoq rubel link
7/18/2017 01:25:40 am

Great article.There are many health benefits of Yoga. By combining Yoga with mental relaxation techniques, you will develop a fit physique and peace of mind. Yoga has many aspects: diet, exercise, hygiene and breathing methods. Focusing on just a few is the best way to start a Yoga regime

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
7/21/2017 04:30:01 pm

Yes, yoga is amazing! Having a yoga routine or playlist to follow can help maintain the practice, as well. Thank you for your comment!

Reply
Kelly link
7/19/2017 11:57:37 am

I've been so into yoga the past month or so!! I love it so much and the health benefits have been amazing for me. I really hope I can find the discipline to make the a part of my every day life for... forever!!

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
7/21/2017 04:30:47 pm

That's great to hear that you have been enjoying yoga recently, Kelly! I'm glad to hear you are benefiting from this practice. Keep up the great work! :)

Reply
Kate link
7/19/2017 12:04:44 pm

This is a beautiful post. Great pictures too!

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
7/21/2017 04:31:21 pm

Thank you for your wonderful comment, Kate. I appreciate your kind words. :)

Reply
Allie link
7/19/2017 12:06:16 pm

This post is sooooo good!!! I have been sick recently and have neglected my yoga practice, but I can tell you I need help with like everything in this post haha!! When I'm not feeling well, my posture is terrible, I feel dehydrated, my nervous system is shot, etc. I love the pro tips, too. I never would have thought to put essential oils on my mat... so genius!! Love this!!!

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
7/21/2017 04:32:13 pm

Hi Allie! So glad to hear that you have yoga as part of your wellness routine. Hopefully you are feeling better soon so that you can get back into the practice. I hope you enjoy the essential oil trick, as well! :)

Reply
Karina Sobredo link
7/19/2017 12:52:57 pm

Love this article. oga is great for your body and mind :)

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
7/21/2017 04:32:59 pm

Yes, so true Karina! It's amazing how much the mind and body are connected and it becomes so apparent during practices like yoga. Thank you for your comment!

Reply
LISa link
7/19/2017 01:06:38 pm

I want to try yoga so bad! It has so many great health benefits! This post is definitely great motivation for me to get started!

XO-Lisa
www.thatssodarling.com

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
7/21/2017 04:33:49 pm

I'm glad to hear that this post about yoga has motivated you to try out yoga, Lisa. :) I hope it goes well for you and that you start feeling the benefits of this practice soon!

Reply
Cheryl link
7/19/2017 05:21:36 pm

My current workout routine includes yoga once a week. I love that I'm getting better at it and it really does make a difference. I always feel so good after finishing it!

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
7/21/2017 04:34:31 pm

That's great to hear that you are enjoying yoga once a week and already feeling the benefits after each practice. Thanks for your comment, Cheryl! :)

Reply
Shelly pineda link
7/19/2017 08:10:39 pm

I have been doing yoga for so long that I agree with your points. It makes me feels so much better about myself. I have recently been trying out Soul Cycle! I love it!

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
7/21/2017 04:35:59 pm

I'm glad to hear that yoga has been so helpful for you, Shelly! I'm not sure what Soul Cycle is but I'm going to check it out, thanks!

Reply
Jane link
7/20/2017 03:02:53 am

I have been planning to start yoga for ages, I think it is about time! the benefits are way too important to ignore, Thank you.

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
7/21/2017 04:37:07 pm

I hope that once you get started you will see just how helpful yoga practice can be for your health and well-being. Good luck, Jane!

Reply
Tiana link
7/20/2017 07:23:12 am

I' did yoga once about a week and a half ago. It was soooo beautiful and stimulating. I'm gonna join my local yoga studio!

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
7/21/2017 04:38:01 pm

So good to hear that you're planning to join a local studio.. yoga can be such a beneficial practice to have in your life. All the best, Tiana!

Reply
Jojo Hua link
7/20/2017 07:56:51 am

I've actually been thinking about taking up yoga for the longest time. I knew it was good for your physical well-being but I didn't know it was also good for your emotional well-being and stress-relief! I have downloaded this app for yoga workouts, I really need to get into it asap!

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
7/21/2017 04:39:56 pm

I'm glad to hear you're wanting to take care of your physical well-being, Jojo. Yoga is great for your health in a holistic sense and I hope it brings lots ofs of wellness benefits your way! :)

Reply
Olivia link
7/20/2017 06:10:13 pm

I'm just starting to look at yoga as a form of exercise. I have terrible arthritis that limits my mobility, so will start very carefully and slowly.

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
7/21/2017 04:41:43 pm

Mm yes, I would encourage you to even seek some support with getting started with yoga.. either from a professional who teaches yoga or a physiotherapist. Just so you have the tools to do it safely with the arthritis you're experiencing. It could be great to increase your flexibility in time, though. Take good care, Olivia!

Reply
Connie@essentiallybroken.com link
8/9/2017 08:59:34 pm

I just started doing yoga as part of a severe personal development journey. I've gotten back into essential oils full swing and meditation. After an extremely violent and horrible break up with my fiance at the end of June, I literally didn't do anything but the absolute bare minimum in taking care of my daughters, who are older, so I wasn't neglecting them or anything. I wasn't taking care of me at all. In the middle of July, with the 2 year anniversary of my sisters death looming over me, I broke down and in my pit of despair, I heard a whisper, it sounds crazy, but it actually happened. I heard it again, someone was whispering me name. I knew it was her, telling me to get up, to get on, and to give everything I have to getting myself back where I need to be. So I started yoga, a daily meditation practice, and at least one chapter of a personal development book a day. I've never felt better, the anniversary was 4 days ago, and although I was sad and mourning the loss of my sister, I was no where near where I was last year. Miss talking to you Heather!!! I'll be back on the blog within the next week, I hope you'll check it out!! I'm glad to be back ❤

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
8/19/2017 06:17:20 pm

I'm sorry to hear how tough things have been for you this year, Connie. You strike me as a very strong person, and I'm so glad that you have found help through yoga practice to start getting back on track and feeling more grounded within yourself. Keep taking good care of yourself - we should collaborate again soon!

Reply
charles link
9/25/2017 10:47:02 pm

thanks you for this nice article.awesome information.

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
3/12/2020 08:47:50 pm

You're very welcome, take good care!

Reply
Kristina Ron link
1/3/2018 10:33:10 pm

Yoga is everywhere these and then reading such a wonderful post on the benefits of yoga is great. very informative blog and i loved reading it so thank you for sharing.

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
3/12/2020 08:48:32 pm

I'm glad to hear this post was informative for you on the benefits of yoga practice. Thanks for stopping by the blog, Kristina!

Reply
Gurwinder singh link
11/24/2018 12:25:52 am

This is very nice post. Thanks for this useful contemt. Keep up the good work.

Reply
Heather LeGuilloux link
3/12/2020 08:48:55 pm

You're very welcome, thanks for your comment!

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