Weight loss, a strong and flexible body, glowing
beautiful skin, peaceful mind, good health – whatever you may be looking
for, yoga has it on offer. However, very often, yoga is only partially
understood as being limited to asanas (yoga poses). As such, its
benefits are only perceived to be at the body level and we fail to
realize the immense benefits yoga offers in uniting the body, mind and
breath. When you are in harmony, the journey through life is calmer,
happier and more fulfilling.
With all this and much more to offer, the benefits of
yoga are felt in a profound yet subtle manner. Here, we look at the top
10 benefits of regular yoga practice.
1. All-round fitness. You
are truly healthy when you are not just physically fit but also
mentally and emotionally balanced.
“Health is not a mere absence of disease. It is a dynamic expression of
life – in terms of how joyful, loving and enthusiastic you are.” This is
where yoga helps: postures, pranayama (breathing techniques) and
meditation are a holistic fitness package.
- Yoga – My personal fitness mantra
- My weight-loss formula
- My mind soother
- My tool for better communication
- My creativity machine
- My doubt repeller
- My time planner
2. Weight loss. What many want! Yoga benefits here too. Sun Salutations and Kapal Bhati pranayama are some ways to help lose weight with yoga.
Moreover, with regular practice of yoga, we tend to become more
sensitive to the kind of food our body asks for and when. This can also
help keep a check on weight.
3. Stress relief. A few minutes of
yoga during the day can be a great way to get rid of stress that
accumulates daily - in both the body and mind. Yoga postures, pranayama
and meditation are effective techniques to release stress.
4. Inner peace. We all love to visit
peaceful, serene spots, rich in natural beauty. Little do we realize
that peace can be found right within us and we can take a mini-vacation
to experience this any time of the day! Benefit from a small holiday
every day with yoga and meditation. Yoga is also one of the best ways to
calm a disturbed mind.
5. Improved immunity. Our system is a
seamless blend of the body, mind and spirit. An irregularity in the
body affects the mind and similarly unpleasantness or restlessness in
the mind can manifest as an ailment in the body. Yoga poses massage
organs and stregthen muscles; breathing techniques and meditation
release stress and improve immunity.
6. Living with greater awareness.
The mind is constantly involved in activity – swinging from the past to
the future – but never staying in the present. By simply being aware of
this tendency of the mind, we can actually save ourselves from getting
stressed or worked up and relax the mind. Yoga and pranayama help create
that awareness and bring the mind back to the present moment, where it can stay happy and focused.
7. Better relationships. Yoga can even help improve your relationship
with your spouse, parents, friends or loved ones! A mind that is
relaxed, happy and contented is better able to deal with sensitive
relationship matters. Yoga and meditation work on keeping the mind happy
and peaceful; benefit from the strengthened special bond you share with
people close to you.
8. Increased energy. Do you feel
completely drained out by the end of the day? Shuttling between multiple
tasks through the day can sometimes be quite exhausting. A few minutes
of yoga everyday provides the secret to feeling fresh and energetic even
after a long day. A 10-minute online guided meditation benefits you
immensely, leaving you refreshed and recharged in the middle of a hectic
day.
9. Better flexibility & posture.
You only need to include yoga in your daily routine to benefit from a
body that is strong, supple and flexible. Regular yoga practice
stretches and tones the body muscles and also makes them strong. It also
helps improve your body posture when you stand, sit, sleep or walk.
This would, in turn, help relieve you of body pain due to incorrect posture.
10. Better intuition. Yoga and
meditation have the power to improve your intuitive ability so that you
effortlessly realize what needs to be done, when and how, to yield
positive results. It works. You only need to experience it yourself.
Remember, yoga is a continuous process. So keep practicing! The
deeper you move into your yoga practice, the more profound are its
benefits.