Yoga means different things to different people but whether you practice yoga as part of a yogi lifestyle or you simply want to limber up your body, yoga can help reduce stress on many levels. Researchers have already accepted there is a health connection between mind, body and spirit; yoga, more than any other form of exercise, addresses that connection. Yoga is a series of poses combined with breathing techniques that is designed to allow the body and mind to work together to become calm. The calming effect of yoga can be an instant stress reliever as muscle tension dissolves, the mind relaxes and the heart rate decreases. Over time, the benefits may become even more obvious.
Though there are many different forms of yoga, Hatha yoga is perhaps the best known. Regardless of the type of yoga you choose to practice, it is the series of poses that you learn to master that will help with stress. As you concentrate on putting your body in the right position using the correct posture, you also learn to concentrate on your breathing and balance. This particular level of concentration draws your mind away from the daily stress of work, home and family life, and towards a state of relaxation and inner calm.
As you become more competent at your posture and breathing techniques, you will also begin to develop a greater range of motion, more flexible joints, and better blood circulation. This not only helps to relieve stress but the improved condition of your body reduces the chance of injury during other activities. While actually engaged in yoga, your body will be producing more oxygen and increasing blood flow but without the stress of a cardiovascular workout, you can learn to control your breathing. These breathing techniques can be called upon at other times to help you calm down in stressful situations.
Though yoga is not high impact, it is still a form of exercise. Exercise has been scientifically proven to reduce stress. People who engage in some form of physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day tend to sleep better, have better regulated metabolism, increased energy levels, and improved overall health. These benefits all add up to lower stress levels, and lowering stress is essential to controlling blood pressure and preventing other health concerns.
In addition to the physical aspects of yoga, stress relief is also achieved through mental aspects. Yoga provides participants a way to relax both their mind and their body. Through a series of gentle stretches and yoga poses, the body becomes relaxed and the mind naturally follows. As you focus on each position and controlling your breathing and balance, your mind will begin to relax as well. Some forms of yoga incorporate meditation which is essentially allowing the mind to focus on your inner self and to close out the outside world. This practice can be immensely stress-relieving once you learn to do it properly.
The many health benefits of yoga are seldom disputed and yoga has several positive contributing factors that make it easy to begin. You do not need any special equipment, outside of a comfortable floor mat, and you can practice it anywhere and anytime it’s convenient. Beginners may want to take a class to learn proper posture, breathing, and execution but yoga can also be learned by watching instructional DVDs or reading books.
Relieving stress – both physically and mentally – is important to overall health and reduced stress can curb potential health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, anxiety, and depression. Yoga is one way that stress relief can be achieved while providing additional physical benefits such as a more toned and flexible body, strengthened muscles and joints, and improved coordination and balance.
Whether you’re looking for a way to get physically fit, would like to reduce stress, or simply want to make the mind-body connection, the time to hit the mat is now. Yoga is easy, fun and good for your body and your mind. The benefits are varied and could make a huge impact in your quality of life.
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