#HealthBytes: 5 incredible health benefits of Yoga
What's the story
The ancient, spiritual Indian practice of Yoga has gained massive momentum across the globe, in the past couple of decades. Notably, research has shown that yoga has various positive effects on body, mind and emotional health. Additionally, it is fairly easy, and can be performed by all age groups and people of all fitness levels. Here are top 5 mind-blowing health benefits of Yoga.
Posture
Performing Yoga asanas helps maintain good posture
Goes without saying, the modern work culture requires sitting on desks for long hours. This can take a toll on your natural body posture. Hence, performing certain Yoga asanas like Bhujangasana and Gomukhasana can help correct your posture, thus bringing muscles, bones, and joints in proper alignment. Further, maintaining a healthy, natural body posture is crucial to your digestive, circulatory, and nervous systems.
Flexibility
The most obvious of all Yoga benefits
By performing various Yoga asanas, what one is basically doing is strengthening and stretching their muscles. This, in turn, helps enhance body flexibility. Many people may not be aware of it, but good body flexibility helps in preventing injuries, quickly heals muscle soreness and improves balance and blood flow. So, for better flexibility, perform Yoga daily!
Weight loss
Yoga will help you shed those extra kilos
Contrary to what many people think, yoga isn't just about long breaths, and doing a few light stretches. If done correctly and regularly, Yoga can be an incredible weight-loss workout. Studies have also shown that Yoga reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone leading to weight gain and accumulation of belly fat. With just 20-30 mins of doing Yoga regularly, one can reduce excess weight and kill body fat.
Stress, Anxiety
To bust off stress and anxiety, try Yoga
Having good physical health is good, but it doesn't guarantee overall well-being. An equally healthy state of mind is important. As mentioned before, Yoga reduces stress hormone (cortisol), thus help you in relaxing your mind. Regular Yoga will give you relief from stress, fight anxiety, and reduce depression symptoms. People who practise Yoga feel more confident, experience inner calm and peace, and are happier.
Better Sleep
Can't sleep well at night? Yoga is the answer
A good quality, night-time sleep is vital for your overall mental and physical well-being as it rejuvenates you from all the exertion of the day. A regular, sound sleep of 7-8 hours is recommended by doctors. Yoga, for one, helps you score a healthier and regular sleep cycle, by relaxing your muscles, providing relief from stress, and upping your mood.