yoga tips

Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “yoke” meaning union. There are many different styles and types of yoga , but all of them have one thing in common – to connect the mind, body and spirit. These techniques are all about bringing together every inch of your being so that you can fully experience who you are in your mind, your body and your spirit at each particular moment. After all, isn’t that what a healthy lifestyle is all about?

Since our site is dedicated to informing you about positive and natural lifestyles and how to create one, it is important that what you experience on your yoga mat is also transferable to your daily life.

Yoga creates harmony in the body by developing strength and flexibility through different series of asanans, or poses. You learn to take your time and feel each moment by balancing work with rest, in turn creating a relaxed and energized mind and body.

Yoga has many benefits, but most importantly the stress relief to the body and the mind are felt immediately. With devotion you will see physical benefits of a leaner and stronger body. Your mind begins to stretch and become more flexible as you feel less pressure and enjoy the present moment. Over time you recognize that there are no limits to your soul.

Yoga is a restorative type of exercise, toning the body internally and externally. You learn to truly listen to the needs of your body and move through the process rather than toward the goal. It is a practice that will become ingrained in your daily life as you begin to see the changes it provides you.

Many of you practice yoga regularly and enjoy it as a hobby. But do you know the many benefits of yoga that impact your life?

Like anything you love, yoga requires dedication and mindfulness. By making yoga a part of your routine, your yoga practice will honor you. Over time it will allow your body and your mind to grow increasingly more flexible and strong.

Outlined below are the amazing benefits that only yoga can collectively offer.

Yoga increases joint and muscle flexibility

Yoga actually lubricates the joints, ligaments and tendons. Yoga postures are meant to work together in order to balance the inside and outside of the body. This interrelated action produces a supple, lengthened body that has more space so that stress does not weigh it down.

Yoga massages all of the body’s organs

Yoga is the only form of exercise that literally massages all of the internal glands and organs in a rhythmic, methodical manner. For a regular participant in yoga the constant flow of asanas become almost like dancing. The familiarities of the movements alert the body of anything out of the ordinary, forewarning you of disease or disorders.

Yoga creates a stronger sense of awareness

This sense of awareness applies to your emotional, physical, and mental levels. By using breathing techniques and frequently scanning your body of how it feels you become more attuned, creating conversation between your inside and outside self. You learn that every part of your body is interconnected.

Yoga supplies the body with optimal blood

An amazing benefit of yoga, is that it flushes away toxins that have built up in the body and supplies clean, fresh blood to your body. As you move through poses your body heats up and basically burns away waste left in the body. You are self cleaning which slows the aging process and increases your energy levels.

Yoga tones all of your muscles

Definitely one of the most desired benefits of yoga. It is very much like swimming in the way that it works every muscle, even ones that may not have had much action since you were a child. Yoga is all-inclusive in so many ways!

Yoga is true mental therapy

Trust me, I need it, it’s my Prozac. One of my favorite benefits of yoga, it cultivates quietness in your mind and encourages you to think only about the present moment. It makes you aware of thoughts and feelings that are constantly circling and arising in your being. This mindfulness transfers to our daily lives and enables us to experience and truly enjoy every moment.

Yoga attunes you to the natural world

By practicing yoga you are symbolically practicing the flow of life. This constant practice builds respect and understanding of the planet’s big picture. You gain a realization that you are part of something bigger that connects you to every living thing.

Take the time to make yoga a part of your life’s busy routine. You will never regret it. In time the benefits of yoga will be revealed to you. Just remember that it is your practice and if you listen to your body, your body will guide you.

-Brooke Pennington

“Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Brooke Pennington is the head Yoga instructor for her local YMCA and also works with local business in their health and wellness programs. She can be contacted at brooke@naturalhealthlifestyles.com