Yoga is an ancient practice and meditation, that has become increasingly popular in today’s busy society. Why? Its benefits are being enjoyed by many.
For many people, yoga provides a retreat from their chaotic and busy lives. It provides many other mental and physical benefits. Some of these extend to the kitchen table.
This provides another opportunity for you to embrace Yoga if you haven’t started yet.
Yoga helps with back pain relief:
Stretching during practice is good for easing pain and improving mobility in people with lower back pain. The American College of Physicians recommends yoga as a first-line treatment for chronic low back pain.
You can try the Cat-Cow Pose
Get on all fours, placing your palms underneath your shoulders and your knees underneath your hips. First, inhale, as you let your stomach drop down toward the floor. Then, exhale, as you draw your navel toward your spine, arching your spine like a cat stretching.
Yoga improves strength, balance and flexibility:
Slow movements and deep breathing increase blood flow and warm up muscles while holding a pose can also help build strength.
You can try the Tree Pose
Balance on one foot, while holding the other foot to your calf or above the knee (but never on the knee) at a right angle. Try to focus on one spot in front of you, while you balance for one minute.
Yoga benefits heart health:
Regular yoga practice may reduce levels of stress and body-wide inflammation, contributing to healthier hearts. Several of the factors contributing to heart disease, including high blood pressure and excess weight, can also be addressed through yoga.
You can try the Downward Dog Pose
Get on all fours, then tuck your toes under and bring your sitting bones up, so that you make a triangle shape. Keep a slight bend in your knees, while lengthening your spine and tailbone.
Yoga helps you manage stress:
A study from the National Institutes of Health, scientific shows that yoga supports stress management, mental health, mindfulness, healthy eating, weight loss and quality sleep.
You can try the Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Lie down with your limbs gently stretched out, away from the body, with your palms facing up. Try to clear your mind while breathing deeply. You can hold this pose for 5 to 15 minutes.
Yoga relaxes you, and helps you sleep better:
Research shows that a consistent bedtime yoga routine can help you get in the right mindset and prepare your body to fall asleep and stay asleep.
You can try the Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose
Sit with your left side against a wall, then gently turn right and lift your legs up to rest against the wall, keeping your back on the floor and your sitting bones close to the wall. You can remain in this position for 5 to 15 minutes.
Asides from these bodily benefits, yoga connects you with a supportive community. Participating in yoga classes can ease loneliness and provide an environment for group healing and support. Even during one-on-one sessions loneliness is reduced as one is acknowledged as a unique individual, is listened to and participating in the creation of a personalized yoga plan.
It’s not too late or too early, begin your Yoga practice today.
Do you have any question or comment? Do share with us in the comment section.
