What Is Yoga? Incredible Benefits and Reasons to Love your Practice
- Veronika Blanar
- Jul 1, 2021
- 2 min read
We all heard the word ‘yoga’ and most of us recognise it as a physical form of exercise. Well, this aspect is only a drop in the vast ocean of yoga practice. Majority of students coming to yoga classes, seek the physical benefits. It is only once we fall in love with yoga as a whole, it becomes our regular, not only physical practice. And we may begin to wonder - why is that?
At Over the Rainbow Yoga Hawaii we decided to share some benefits of yoga with you, as well sa a few reasons why yoga becomes 'addictive'.
Often, when we begin to practice yoga, we turn into 'a yogi' only while practicing, whilst feeling safe and steady within the yoga mat space. Once we leave this sacred space, we return to our usual manic and busy lifestyle, leaving also the mindful-self behind.
With time and practice, we naturally began to draw and expand these yoga principles from the safety of our mat to our vulnerable world. From there, things start to shift at a magically speed. Whether you taking yoga classes in Hawaii, or practicing anywhere else in the world, with time - you not only became a better person, but most likely became a happier person too. A kinder one, a less anxious, friendly open minded and giving person...
Yoga means happiness
Where are our yoga fans at? Can you relate? Do you apply these principles to your everyday life too?
The act of giving is that, what truly makes us happy. We are hard-wired to be givers rather than receivers. When we give, our brain releases dopamine (one of our 4 natural happiness chemicals). Therefore, helping others directly triggers an activity in the brain, that turns on when people experience happiness. So being kind, giving and caring is YOUR way to happiness.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility, and breathing to boost physical and mental wellbeing. The main components of yoga are postures (a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility) and breathing.
The practice originated in India and more recently has been adopted in other countries in a variety of ways. You don't necessarily have to be mindful or spiritual to feel the benefit of physical poses called asanas (in Yoga - asana is only a drop in the ocean).
What is YOGA to you?
Benefits of practicing Yoga (just to list a few):
Improves your flexibility
Builds muscle strength
Perfects your posture
Prevents cartilage and joint breakdown
Protects your spine
Betters your bone health
Increases your blood flow
Drains your lymph and boosts immunity
Makes you happier
Helps you focus
Relaxes your system
Improves your balance
Helps you sleep deeper
Prevents IBS and other digestive problems
Gives you peace of mind
*If you are still not convinced whether or not you should join local Yoga classes, check out Jen Review website and look particularly at their extensive blog on Yoga Benefits that is backed up by science:
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