Why is yoga so beneficial?
You might think of it as exercise, but yoga is a practice that connects the body, mind, and breath. It uses breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation.
To begin with, you should know that the word yoga comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’, which means to unite, to connect, or to relate. And that is its aim – to strengthen the connection between us, our bodies, and the outside world. This discipline originated in India, although it's difficult to say when exactly.
Today, yoga is practised around the world by millions of people seeking to balance the mind and body. In an increasingly stressful and digital world, practising yoga not only helps you relax but also improves sleep, reduces stress, and strengthens muscles.
It all sounds a bit like the New Year's resolutions we make, doesn't it? Well, here are some ways in which yoga can help you:
1. Be happy
Often, it is our thoughts that separate us from happiness. We spend so much time preoccupied with thinking that sometimes we don't see what's in front of us. Yoga is based on concentration and awareness, which is why, breathing is emphasised. Meditative techniques help your nervous system by reducing stress and increasing the feel-good chemicals in the brain like dopamine and serotonin, also called the happiness hormones. So, turns out you only need to breathe to be happy!
2. Be healthy
We already talked about reducing stress, but many studies have shown that yoga reduces blood pressure and even helps you lose weight. Yes, this is one of the most common resolutions we tend to break. It's not just about the exercise that strengthens your body and the calories you can burn. It's about the concentration and awareness of your body that will help you achieve your goals.
3. Sleep well
Due to its nature, yoga can have sedative effects, making the phrase 'sleep like a baby' make sense. Yoga stretches release tension and improve blood flow. This, combined with the breathing techniques and meditation, will help you rest like never before. It all depends on the postures and what you want to achieve.
4. Worry less
When yoga becomes a regular aspect of your daily routine, you realise that if you take a few minutes a day just to breathe and meditate, you can see things in perspective. Practising yoga every day may even turn you into a problem solver by helping you focus better to find solutions.
5. Learn something new
If you've never done it before, there's no better time than the beginning of a new year to start practising yoga. You can also expand your knowledge of chakra energy, meditation, or, maybe, even become a yoga instructor!
These are just a few ideas of what you can achieve through yoga, but the truth is – the sky is the limit.
Have these ideas piqued your interest? Do you have questions that need answers? If you’re looking for more information on yoga, reach out to Ohmayoga and their team of Rishikesh-certified gurus. A registered Yoga Alliance school and certification provider, Ohmayoga offers online yoga teacher training courses for all levels of practitioners – beginner to advanced.
