Yoga: The Benefits

The benefits you  will gain from doing Yoga are endless. Although the asanas (yoga postures) are very important and beneficial, other aspects such as pranayama (breath control) and mindful meditation are just as important, if not more. Many people see Yoga as only stretching and holding postures, yoga teachers and yoga teacher training. However, Yoga is a lifestyle. When you really want to achieve the full effects of Yoga, you have to take into account of living the everyday lifestyle.

Yoga: Day To Day

Here in Victoria, BC, we have the great advantages of many yoga studios, healthy cafes, and fellow Victorians who already incorporate Yoga into their daily lifestyle. The simplest way to start incorporating Yoga into your daily routine, is with the practice of breath control, which in Sanskrit is called Pranayama. Many of us do not realize that we are breathing shallow until someone reminds us of the benefits of slow and deep breathing will bring us. Pranayama is proven to reduce many of the most common conditions, such as: Stress, Anxiety, Asthma, and even lowing blood pressure.

Yoga: Asanas

The benefits of Asanas speak for themself. With the practice of Asanas, we can improve our flexibility, build muscle strength as well as straighten our posture. Yoga will literally release happy hormones in your brain, making you feel content. As said on Pelican Hill Magazine “ Increase your levels of serotonin with each session on your mat. Studies show that your cortisol levels and monoamine oxidase levels lower over time in those who practice yoga on a regular basis. Bringing awareness to your mind and body through the practice of yoga will help you stabilize your mood and enhance the activity in your brain. The result? A happy camper.” (2017, Pelican Hill, Michelle Slieff). Doesn’t that make you want to join the most affordable Studio in town? (Karma Yoga). Many of us struggle from back pain as well, which the best medication for that is… Yoga.

As said on Yoga Journal, “Move more, eat less—that’s the adage of many a dieter. Yoga can help on both fronts. A regular practice gets you moving and burns calories, and the spiritual and emotional dimensions of your practice may encourage you to address any eating and weight problems on a deeper level. Yoga may also inspire you to become a more conscious eater.” (2017, Yoga Journal, Timothy Mccall, M.D) Yoga encourages us to want to take better care of our body.  It reduces the sugar cravings and replaces them with wanting to eat something that you will feel the nutrition running through your body.  

Overall, Yoga can help everyone in some way or another. Take advantage of living in Victoria and join your local studio and feel the benefits it brings you. Learn the interesting philosophy of Yoga by Signing up for YTT and start living a healthier, longer life!