1. Yoga is a total mind-body workout.
We say the purpose of yoga is to quiet the chatter of the mind. So not only are you getting a total stretch of your muscles and joints, your mind is in a meditative state. Yoga allows you to forget about everything that is going on around you and just focus on your practice. The state your mind is in during your practice allows you to truly cultivate mindfulness and increase your self awareness. Having more self awareness enriches your emotional intelligence, greater empathy and listening skills, and decision making. All leading to a happy and healthy you!
2. It perfects your posture...no more slouching!
Your posture has a HUGE influence over the alignment of your spine and the overall health of your body. In yoga the poses emphasize the correct alignment between your hands, wrist, shoulders, and arms. Proper alignment of your body puts less stress on the spine therefore helping you have better posture. Over time bad posture can can increase the pressure of fluids and gases flowing throughout the body which can significantly affect your circulation. (Hint hint: stop slouching ASAP and get to yoga)
3. Yoga promotes better sleep.
According to Harvard Medical School, a national survey found that over 55% of people who did yoga found that it helped them get better sleep. Then over 85% said yoga additionally helped them reduce stress at the end of the day, which they thought contributed to the better sleep they were getting. Restorative yoga is an amazing type of practice in which the poses relieve tension and stress at the end of a long day. So if you’re having trouble sleeping at night check out some of your local studios restorative classes!
4. The physical benefits of yoga are ENDLESS.
Okay so I honestly could go on and on about the physical benefits yoga brings you, some benefits include: increased flexibility, increased muscle strength, protection from injury, improved cardio and circulatory health, maintained a balance metabolism, may reduce chronic pain and inflammation, etc.. As you can see I could talk about the physical benefits all day, and the coolest thing about all these benefits is that they have been supported by science! That’s right, it has been scientifically supported that yoga may help with all of these. Okay so what’re you waiting for now?!
5. Yoga teaches us to love ourselves unconditionally.
Yoga is about showing up with no expectations and being your most authentic self. There’s a quote by Rachel Brathen that I love it says
“The yoga pose is not the goal. Becoming flexible or standing on your hands is not the goal. The goal is to create a space where you were once stuck. To unveil layers of protection you’ve built around your heart. To appreciate your body and become aware of the mind and the noise it creates. To make peace with who you are. The goal is to love...well, YOU. Shift your focus and your heart will grow”
So the next time you think about skipping that yoga practice remember these benefits and remember how greatly yoga teaches us to appreciate our body. You got this queen, your mat is ready for you!
Xoxo
Myanna Kelly, RYT 200
Harvard Health Publishing: Yoga For Better Sleep, Marlynn Wei, MD, JD. 2018.