We all know that regular exercise is one of the best ways to remain healthy, both physically and mentally. However, regular exercise doesn’t mean you have to do the same exercise routine each and every day for the same amount of time. You don’t have to run three miles a day to qualify as someone who exercises regularly. In fact, you can do exercises that are often lower impact, like yoga, and still reap immense health benefits. To show you how, here are three of the many health benefits you can receive from regularly practicing yoga.
Increased Strength and Flexibility
Like all forms of exercise, yoga is great at increasing your strength and flexibility. Most yoga poses also help to improve your balance, stamina, and breathing. As a result, yoga may be a good option for a workout that you’re wanting to be less intense and more healing. According to Stephanie Watson, a contributor to WebMD.com, yoga is a great exercise for people who suffer from arthritis or other physical ailments that limit the kinds of exercises they’re generally able to do. Pregnant woman may also find that yoga helps ease pregnancy pain by keeping you moderately active in a low-impact way.
More Emotional Resilience
Not only is yoga great for your physical health, but the relaxation and meditation that takes place during yoga practice can also work wonders for your emotional health. The hormones that are released during exercise can help people who may be afflicted with many different types of emotional issues. Wyatt Myers, a contributor to EverydayHealth.com, shares that practicing yoga can help people who suffer from depression, sleep issues, schizophrenia, and other mental conditions. Additionally, yoga can be a great way to unwind and detox your mind along with your body if you’re looking for a way to destress or strengthen your mind to overcome addiction.
A Greater Sense and Acceptance Of Self
When you feel good, you look good. And while this isn’t necessarily the goal of regular yoga practice, the Harvard Health Publications report that those who practice yoga often gain a greater sense and acceptance of themselves due to their participation. Those who do yoga have been found to be more aware of their bodies while simultaneously being less critical of their supposed physical flaws. This benefit can be of huge help to those who may have body image issues or those who simply want to gain a greater sense of self.
If you’ve considered practicing yoga previously but have questioned how beneficial this seemingly simple workout will actually be, hopefully the information shared above will show you just what you could be gaining by participating in a yoga routine on a regular basis.