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It probably comes as no surprise that yoga has been proven to lower stress, and even reduce anxiety and depression.
There are plenty of people who are more than willing to promote the virtues of yoga – but unlike some other celebrity-endorsed trends, this one actually has merit (and the science to back up its claims). Need proof? Here's a rundown of some of the key benefits of yoga, and why i's good for you on pretty much every level.
Better heart health.
Yoga poses (called asanas) are isometric, which means they rely on you holding a certain stance for several minutes. This promotes blood flow throughout the body, improving your general circulation – which in turn can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol and heart rate. Even slow-paced yoga done regularly has been shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body (inflammation being one of the key contributors to heart disease).
Stronger muscles.
Yoga may seem sedate, but as anyone who's held a deep Warrior 2 pose can tell you, i's no walk in the park. The slow repetitive nature of the practice actually helps improve muscle strength, flexibility and stability. Some poses are particularly helpful for building stronger muscles, such as the tree, plank, bridge and chair poses.
Happier joints (with fewer creaks and crackles).
Through yoga, joints move through their full range of motion. This gentle stretching can reduce that pressure and stiffness that many of us experience in certain joints (especially as we get older). Harvard Medical School research has even found that yoga can improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Ease lower back pain.
Yep, some yoga poses have been proven to relieve niggling soreness in the lower back. If this is something you experience from time to time, i's worth trying the downward dog pose (which stretches your hamstrings), the child's pose (which elongates your back) or the pigeon pose (which stretches your hip rotators). Just remember, if you have any kind of pain, get your doctor's OK first and seek the guidance of a qualified yoga instructor.
Sweeter dreams. Or at least better sleep patterns.
Stress relief is one of the big upsides of yoga, and this has a knock-on effect at bedtime. Integrated into your sleep/wake routine, gentle hatha yoga (especially restorative poses like the lying butterfly or corpse pose) can calm the mind and set you up for a solid 40 winks.
Ease anxiety.
Modern life comes with many stresses, from work pressures to the challenges of raising a family. With its focus on breath and balance, it probably comes as no surprise that yoga has been proven to lower stress, and even reduce anxiety and depression.
Extra energy.
It stands to reason that improving your strength and fitness through yoga can lead to more physical energy. But did you know that this extends to your mental state of mind too? Get on a roll with yoga, and you can look forward to a boost in alertness and enthusiasm, and fewer negative feelings.
Improved body image.
Step inside a few yoga studios, and you'll quickly see that most don't have mirrors. This is a deliberate tactic to encourage participants to focus inward on mind, body and breath. Interestingly, surveys have shown that young people who do yoga have a better relationship
with their bodies than those who don't – they tend to be less critical of, and more satisfied with, their physical selves. When you think about the difference between a soothing yoga studio and a brightly lit weights floor where gym-goers scrutinise every inch of their bodies, this kind of makes sense.
More comfortable digestion.
The way in which yoga improves circulation, and the massaging effect it has on your internal muscles, can improve digestion – and even help address issues like stomach aches, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Relish food on a new level.
True story: research has shown that yoga increases a person's mindfulness, not just in the studio but in other areas of life, too. And that even extends to mealtimes, with a heightened awareness of self and surroundings enabling people to take note of how food smells, tastes and feels.
If that's enough to convince you to give yoga a try (and how couldn't it be?!), you can find all the essentials you'd need right here. Happy ohmmming!
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