Benefits of Yoga

Michael and I have shared our love of yoga ever since my friend asked us to go with her (she works at a yoga studio). We went every single day of spring break and loved it. This was Michael's first time doing yoga. I did yoga for a year in high school for P.E. Ever since then I have always had a passion for it.


Background

Yoga is beneficial to your health and well-being. "Yoga is more than mastering postures and increasing your flexibility and strength." To me it is discipline. It is controlling your breathing, your thoughts, and desires. Yoga has been celebrated and practiced for more than 5,000 years. The word  "yoga" means "spiritual discipline" in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Benefits of Yoga
I have found many benefits of yoga, hence practicing it on a regular basis.

1. Stress reduction - yoga is slow and quiet. It takes the focus away from your busy, stressful life to you inner self.
2. Calm my mind & body -  it helps calm my mind and my body. I have a lot of energy and sometimes I just need to slow down and calm myself. 
3. Makes you stronger - some of the time you are in plank, and then you are at downward dog. Don't tell me that you don't feel it in your arms.  
4. Mood - yoga totally makes you happy. According to research, this is because more oxygen is going to the brain. Talk about a natural high!
5. Helps with health - here is a list of things it helps: depression, weight-loss, cancer, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, pain. It also helps reduce blood pressure.

So, there you have it. The benefits of yoga. Anybody can practice yoga! I practice yoga. Michael practices yoga. School teachers practices yoga. Business men practices yoga. ANYONE CAN DO IT!

Do you practice yoga? What do you like/dislike about it?
Coming soon: Different types of yoga! Check it out.

This post is written by Karel.
Adapted from: Yoga
American Yoga Association
The Health Benefits of Yoga
MayoClinic Yoga 
Brenda Yoga 
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