Happier Way Original –
Yoga has been a well-known benefactor for the overall well-being in the Eastern parts of the world. It was introduced in the US at the end of the 19th century, and since then, the number of active practitioners across the country has been widely spread. There is a reason why yoga is becoming a lifestyle trend from which all ages benefit. Today we are discussing all the ways you can benefit from this discipline, and how you have everything to gain and nothing to lose if you include yoga in your daily life.
1. Yoga will immensely reduce stress and relieve you of anxiety
Combining the art of body postures and meditation, while focusing on your breath; can actually soothe your whole being even if you try it for the first time. A study from the National Library of Medicine has shown that those individuals who practice yoga have lower cortisol levels than the rest. This hormone is responsible for stress and anxiety and can be easily lowered with slow movements and mindful breathing.
2. Helps you manage depression and PTSD
Linked to the previous benefit for your well-being, stress and anxiety relief positively impact your mental health. According to this study that observed 64 women, half of them had won their PTSD battle after 10 weeks of actively practicing yoga. Furthermore, this systematic review discovered that yoga can actually lower the symptoms of depression regardless of age, gender and location.
3. Yoga can decrease lower back pain and improve your spine health
Certain disciplines of yoga, for example, the kundalini; have poses that are completely focused on your spine health. If you are experiencing pain, the combination of special asanas and meditation with breathing are the keys to keep the spine healthy and helps you master any pain. Furthermore, research from the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that practicing yoga can be even more effective than physical therapy in battling lower back pain and improving its vigor!
4. Lowers the impact of chronic conditions or acute illnesses
This in-depth study suggests that people who have had a stroke can improve their balance and overall well-being by practicing yoga. In that way, your motor functions are being restored, impacting your physical well-being the most. Based on this research, a full course of 8 weeks will greatly improve your rheumatoid arthritis. Yoga is also known to fight any chronic pain and conditions, helping you regain your zest and vitality.
5. Yoga directly stimulates the brain function
Yoga continues to stimulate your mental health by increasing your focus, memory, and versatility in task performing. For example, according to this study, hatha yoga can not only elevate your core executive functions but can also put you in a better mood!
6. Lowers the risk of heart disease
There are so many studies that prove how yoga can lower the risk of heart disease, but according to this one, you can understand how that works. In fact, this discipline helps regulate your blood pressure, body mass, and cholesterol – which are the main causes of heart diseases.
In essence, practicing yoga is like having a guardian for both your physical well-being and mental health. Like we previously stated, by implementing it into your daily routine you will gain so much. If you are interested in additional ways to improve your well-being, head over to our other articles!