Yoga - everyone seems to be doing it. We even offered a yoga class to our employees last month, and it was a hit. But why is yoga so good for you? And what are its health benefits? Let's dive into the details and explore why yoga could be a great addition to your health and wellness routine:
The holistic health benefits of yoga
The wonder of yoga is that it's not about just about strengthening the body - it's also about strengthening the mind and helping us live calm, fulfilling lives. As Canada.com noted, the word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit word "yog," which means "union." In this sense, yoga truly is the coming together of the body and mind - a holistic practice that has many lasting benefits. Let's take a look at both the physical and mental benefits of yoga:
Physical benefits
When you practice yoga, you are putting your body through a series of controlled, focused poses, known as "asanas," that flow into one another. In every pose, you center your mind on how the body feels - does your hamstring feel tight, or your arms feel open and wide? With this focus, you can feel a closer connection to your body and what it is capable of.
Yoga has many important health benefits.
Much research has been done on the health benefits of yoga. Doctors have prescribed the practice to treat musculoskeletal conditions, such as osteoporosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain and arthritis, the Toronto Star explained. It can improve flexibility, balance, ease chronic pain, and may also help reduce inflammation in the body.
Yoga may also help reduce body weight, cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose levels, according to Best Health Magazine, which cited a study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh. It could even be effective at reducing the frequency of migraine headaches, according to a separate study.
Mental benefits
Yoga also has many psychological benefits. A central tenet of yoga is breathing - gently breathing in and out as you move through different poses, or asanas. Through yoga, you can also enter a meditative state, in which you are practicing mindfulness, which is when you are only focused on the present moment. Through slow, deep breathing and a calm, clear mind, yoga can reduce stress levels and boost your mood.
The calm state yoga induces can also help individuals manage their emotions. Best Health Magazine cited a study in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that a group of individuals on anti-depressants showed large decreases in their feelings of anxiety, depression and anger after just 20 yoga classes.
Putting it all together
Stress has a major impact on your health - and yoga reduces stress through slow-breathing and inner focus to then bring about many other benefits to your health. Yoga starts a ripple effect, improving your overall wellness holistically.
The Toronto Star relayed the research findings of Pulitzer-prize-winning science writer William Broad, who authored "The Science of Yoga: The Risks and Rewards," and whose work illustrates this impact. He explained how the slow breathing and flexibility present in yoga stimulates the main nerve in the body that regulates the immune system and its disease-fighting capabilities.
This is just one example of the benefits of yoga - with regular practice, participants can improve their health and strengthen their sense of well-being.
A yoga class at work is a great way to refresh your mind and body.
Choosing a yoga practice
Another fantastic quality of yoga is anyone can find a type of practice that suits their ability levels and wellness needs. Here are some of the different types of yoga available:
- Hot yoga.
- Hatha.
- Bikram.
- Vinyasa.
- Ashtanga.
- Yin.
The University of British Columbia has a great guide on the the different types of yoga and selecting the practice that is best for you. If you have no prior yoga experience, Hatha classes could be a great place to start for you, as they teach you basic postures. Ashtanga, on the other hand, is a more challenging class that is much more physically intensive.
Meditation
Meditation can be considered a type of yoga. You can do simple asanas that are not physically demanding on the body and instead focus on slow, steady breathing. You could also simply meditate while sitting. Let your mind feel at ease and allow thoughts to pass through your head - the idea is you reach a state of calm when you're mind isn't racing from one worry to another and instead just is. If meditating seems intimidating, start in small bursts. For example, meditate for just a few minutes every morning, gradually increasing the time. There are also lots of helpful smartphone apps that can help guide your meditation practice.
Yoga at work
More companies are focusing on health and wellness in the workplace, and yoga is a great way to get moving while taking a break from your to-do list to refresh your mind. If your office doesn't offer yoga classes, see if you can start them. Even practicing yoga once a week can make a big difference on your mindset and mood. You can also find a yoga studio near your workplace and take a class early in the morning to gear up for the day, during your lunch break to refresh and re-center, or right after you leave the office for the day to stretch your muscles and relax your mind after a long day.
Yoga is a wonderful practice to support your overall health and wellness. With the many varieties available, you can find the right type of yoga for your lifestyle.