Practicing yoga is not only a great way to relax after a long, cold day of work in the winter, but it offers numerous health benefits spanning from spiritual to mental to physical. You might have attended a class and heard the mantra “mind, body, spirit”. In recent years, this slogan has extended into the general wellness industry as the focus points for a healthy lifestyle. However, it actually traces back to the roots of yoga and its values found in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Through the generations, many styles of yoga have evolved, from Hatha to prenatal yoga. Each style has a different focus, but at the core they all center on the connection between mind, body and spirit.
Holistically, yoga encourages individuals to be intentional with their movement, breath and thoughts. This means that even off the mat, yogis consider their overall well-being and their actions, typically making lifestyle choices that support healthy and mindful living. They tend to make sustainable lifestyle decisions as they eat mindfully, reduce consumption of processed foods, and are aware of environmental impacts.
In addition to making intentional choices, there are health advantages associated with regular yoga practice:
- Improved Flexibility and Balance: Yoga involves a variety of poses that stretch muscles and improve stability and coordination. Most types of yoga will involve some stretching, but Yin yoga in particular targets deep connective tissue through holding poses for several minutes. This can reduce tension in the body, lowering blood pressure and might even relieve some chronic pain. Bikram or hot yoga is also a great way to increase flexibility while detoxifying the body.
- Mental and Emotional Well-Being: The combination of physical postures, breath control, and meditation in yoga increases relaxation as well as lung capacity. Focusing on the connection between body and mind improves mental well-being, reduces stress and helps manage anxiety. This improved mental clarity can positively impact other aspects of everyday life. A flow yoga practice like vinyasa followed by a restorative yoga practice is ideal for relaxation, stress reduction and rejuvenation.
- Increased Strength and Endurance: Many yoga poses build muscle strength in the core, arms and legs. Poses emphasize body alignment and can improve posture over time. Faster paced, athletic forms of yoga like power yoga or even vinyasa provide cardiovascular health benefits by increasing the heart rate and promoting blood circulation. This leads to better sleep, and can assist with weight loss and enhance metabolism.
- Connection with nature and community: Striking a tree pose next to a tree in an outdoor yoga session or petting a miniature goat jumping on you at a goat yoga class are just a few ways to directly connect with nature while practicing yoga. Participating in group classes isn’t just about resting in downward dog next to a stranger. It allows you to be part of a yoga community that encourages well-being and personal growth. Many studios organize yoga retreats or get-togethers outside of class, making it convenient to befriend like-minded individuals.
So, if you haven’t gotten into a yoga routine this winter, try it out and reap the physical, mental and emotional benefits. Maybe start by practicing for 30 minutes a few times per week, trying different styles to see what you like and combine yoga with other activities for a comprehensive fitness routine. Whether you’re young or old, fit or flabby, you can still feel like a warrior in warrior pose. Of course, if you have questions about starting a new exercise routine, consult a healthcare professional. Remember that the easiest way to maintain an exercise routine is to enjoy it and have fun!
Keywords: #Yoga #Mental Health #Physical Health #Winter