There are many benefits of a regular yoga practice as yoga positively effects not only our physical health but also our mental, social, emotional and spiritual health. Listed below are a few core elements of how a regular yoga practice can positively influence your life.
Our Yoga Studio Manager, Paige breaks down these benefits and shares why you should consider adding a little yoga to your life.
Reduced Stress
Maintaining a slow deep breath throughout the practice stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) by decreasing cortisol levels. When the PNS is activated it has a nurturing effect on the body by decreasing the heart rate and blood pressure and passes pressure onto the deeper muscles that support the organs.
Improved flexibility
In the beginning you may not be flexible but if you have a consistent practice you will notice gradual changes and poses that seem impossible become possible over time. Yin yoga is great for placing healthy stress on the body to stretch out the fascia, when fascia is not stretched regularly it can cause poor posture. You may notice pain in the body starting to disappear, as tight hip flexors can strain the knee joint and tight hamstrings can alter the lumbar spine leading to back pain.
Increased detoxification
During a yoga class healthy stress is placed on the internal organs which leads to increase in metabolism, blood and nutrient signals and enhanced and toxins are removed. Yoga increases hemoglobin and red blood cells, which supply oxygen to tissues within the body. Also helps to thin the blood by reducing the level of clot promoting proteins which can lower the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Increased mood and happiness
Research has shown that a regular yoga practice can help improve depression by increasing serotonin levels and reducing monoamine oxidase and cortisol. Studies have shown that yoga can help increase left prefrontal cortex in the brain which is linked to higher levels of feelings of happiness. Mindfulness during meditation we are encouraged to promote positive mind states while learning techniques to acknowledge and decrease negative ones.
Increased immunity
Throughout the practice when you are constantly contracting and stretching muscles the drainage of lymph in the body is increased. Particularly in heated temperatures this supports the lymphatic system to destroy cancerous cells, fight off infections and increase detoxification.
Paige xx