BENEFITS OF YOGA

Stress can knock our door anytime and in any form, from a simple neck or back pain to insomnia all are the result of stress, anxiety and overthinking. In these kind of situations before medications a doctor often suggests to incorporate yoga in your daily routine. Yoga calms our body and helps in a better understanding of ourselves.

Derived from a Sanskrit word YOG which means to unite or to connect, yoga is a practice that involves the oneness of the mind and the body. Variety of yoga asana deals with controlling our breathing rates. It incorporates various poses that help to relieve stress and anxiety. Studies show that if yoga is performed in a proper manner greater release of gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) from the thalamus is observed. Which functions as an anti- anxiety drug, hence improving mental health. Performing yoga on daily basis helps to improve physical as well as mental health. A clear state of mind is achieved by performing these asana. A person achieves a state of wellbeing and positive outlook towards life. Some of the benefits of performing yoga on daily basis are –

HELPS REDUCE STRESS- The postures of yoga helps to calm the mind and body, helps in relaxation hence reducing stress. Researches have shown that yoga helps to decrease the release of cortisol the hormone responsible for stress. Therapies often include the combination of yoga and meditation to improve mental health and relieve stress.

RELIEVES ANXIETY- Anxiety has a relation with our breathing pattern. It is noticed that when a person is anxious their breathing rates increase to a certain level. Yoga helps to control the breathing rate of a person. When we are well aware of our breathing patterns and how to control it we can easily cope up with these kind of situations.

BUILDS CONFIDENCE- Often a low self-esteem and confidence are the cause of anxiety and depression. Yoga helps in building a good self-esteem by creating a positive thinking and environment. As yoga also help to improve our physical appearance it directly helps to build confidence.

HELPS FOCUS- The main concept of yoga is to center our body and mind. The breathing exercises in yoga helps to improve our concentration. It also affect our retention power.

IMPROVES YOUR MOOD- A constant bad mood can end into depression. Yoga refreshes our mind and mood. It triggers the brain to release endorphins and dopamine which are the mood improving hormones. Hence it is effective in managing bipolar disorder.

COULD PROMOTE SLEEP QUALITY- Enough amount of sleep is required by an individual to work efficiently. As yoga relaxes one`s body and mind, it indirectly improves the sleep cycle. It is also found that in major cases insomnia can also be cured by regular exercise and yoga.

IMPROVES PATIENCE- A calm and patient mind can handle any situation effectively. The pranayama are the breathing exercises in yoga that creates a positive mindset. This helps to deal with anger outburst that is a common symptom of anxiety and depression.

HELPS TO DEAL WITH POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) - Yoga especially helps to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder. Yoga helps to establish a connection between body and mind which works similarly as a talk therapy. So the symptoms of PTSD can be minimized by yoga.

IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE- Yoga results in the overall development of an individual. It creates a positive thinking, improves personality, physical fitness, improves mood and helps to lead a more energetic life.