Yoga has been around for a long time, and when we say a long time, we mean BCE. Yoga was invented between the 5th and 6th century BCE and has remained one of the most popular forms of meditation and exercise in the world.
Now, you can take it up just about anywhere, whether it’s in the comfort of your living room or a studio setting, and with so many incredible health benefits, there’s no surprise it’s so popular. If you haven’t tried it yet, after reading this, we’re sure you’ll be heading straight out to grab a yoga matt and assume the Lotus position.
Benefits against stress
Yoga helps with easing the mind and reducing stress. “Stress can reveal itself in many ways, including back or neck pain, sleeping problems, headaches, drug abuse, and an inability to concentrate,” says Dr. Nevins. Those pains often come from stress which is caused by sitting in one place and gathering frustration in your joints. Yoga can help you stretch and relax those joints, giving you a clearer mind and easing the aches. This isn’t magic and it won’t help instantly, but if you follow a quick 7-minute yoga exercise you will notice a decrease in those pains.
Flexibility check!
If you find yourself losing flexibility and want to gain it back, you can do so with yoga. Many yoga exercises offer stretches that help your muscles loosen up and allow your body to bend in ways you probably never thought possible! Don’t expect to twist yourself into a pretzel on your first try, if you stick with it daily or every second day you should see the benefit in the first month!
Posture fix!
Yes, you read that right; yoga also helps with posture. If you, like us, have spent the last few years slouching in your chair, you’ll know what we’re talking about on the posture front. However, yoga can help undo the damage over time.
Lowers high blood pressure!
Studies by the British Medical Journal have shown that some yoga positions like the corpse pose help lower high blood pressure. Those who suffer from HBP know how tough it is to drop this, and but with regular exercise and yoga in particular, you should see a decrease. While it’s a slow process, it’s of huge benefit to your health.
Improves balance!
To most balance may not be at the top of their health benefit list. But did you know that good balance is linked with good posture which all help prevent back and knee pain? People who work on their balance are more aware of their surroundings and their own body, which in turn helps prevent accidents and nasty falls. So why not try the tree pose and save yourself a few cuts and bruises?
Words: Anastasiya Sytnyk