Yoga is an ancient practice that aims to bring the mind and body into harmonious rhythm. It is derived from the Sanskrit word “yuji,” meaning yoke or union. It incorporates breathing exercises, meditation and poses designed to encourage relaxation and reduce stress.
According to this article from Healthline, there are 13 benefits of doing a yoga practice, which are supported by science. Summarized here, they are:
1. Yoga is known for its ability to ease stress and promote relaxation. Multiple studies have shown that it can decrease the secretion of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. When used alone or along with other methods of alleviating stress, such as meditation, yoga can be a powerful way to keep stress in check.
2. Many people begin practicing yoga as a way to cope with feelings of anxiety. Interestingly enough, there is quite a bit of research showing that yoga can help reduce anxiety. It’s not entirely clear exactly how yoga is able to reduce symptoms of anxiety, however, it emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment and finding a sense of peace, which could help treat anxiety.
3. Some studies show that yoga may reduce inflammatory markers in the body and help prevent pro-inflammatory diseases.
4. Alone or in combination with a healthy lifestyle, yoga may help decrease risk factors for heart disease.
5. Some studies show that yoga could improve quality of life and may be used as an adjunct therapy for some conditions.
6.Several studies have found that yoga may decrease symptoms of depression by influencing the production of stress hormones in the body.
7. Yoga may help reduce chronic pain in conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis.
8.Yoga may help enhance sleep quality because of its effects on melatonin and its impact on several common contributors to sleep problems.
9. Research shows that practicing yoga can help improve balance and increase flexibility.
10. Pranayama, or yogic breathing, is a practice in yoga that focuses on controlling the breath through breathing exercises and techniques. Improving breathing can help build endurance, optimize performance and keep your lungs and heart healthy.
11. Studies show that yoga may stimulate the vagus nerve and reduce migraine intensity and frequency, alone or in combination with conventional care.
12. Yoga places an emphasis on mindfulness, and some studies show that the transference of mindfulness could be used to encourage healthy eating behaviors.
13. Yoga can cause an increase in strength, endurance and flexibility. There are specific poses in yoga that are designed to increase strength and build muscle.
1. Yoga is known for its ability to ease stress and promote relaxation. Multiple studies have shown that it can decrease the secretion of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. When used alone or along with other methods of alleviating stress, such as meditation, yoga can be a powerful way to keep stress in check.
2. Many people begin practicing yoga as a way to cope with feelings of anxiety. Interestingly enough, there is quite a bit of research showing that yoga can help reduce anxiety. It’s not entirely clear exactly how yoga is able to reduce symptoms of anxiety, however, it emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment and finding a sense of peace, which could help treat anxiety.
3. Some studies show that yoga may reduce inflammatory markers in the body and help prevent pro-inflammatory diseases.
4. Alone or in combination with a healthy lifestyle, yoga may help decrease risk factors for heart disease.
5. Some studies show that yoga could improve quality of life and may be used as an adjunct therapy for some conditions.
6.Several studies have found that yoga may decrease symptoms of depression by influencing the production of stress hormones in the body.
7. Yoga may help reduce chronic pain in conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis.
8.Yoga may help enhance sleep quality because of its effects on melatonin and its impact on several common contributors to sleep problems.
9. Research shows that practicing yoga can help improve balance and increase flexibility.
10. Pranayama, or yogic breathing, is a practice in yoga that focuses on controlling the breath through breathing exercises and techniques. Improving breathing can help build endurance, optimize performance and keep your lungs and heart healthy.
11. Studies show that yoga may stimulate the vagus nerve and reduce migraine intensity and frequency, alone or in combination with conventional care.
12. Yoga places an emphasis on mindfulness, and some studies show that the transference of mindfulness could be used to encourage healthy eating behaviors.
13. Yoga can cause an increase in strength, endurance and flexibility. There are specific poses in yoga that are designed to increase strength and build muscle.