Over the years, more and more people are practicing yoga. It has become part many people’s lives, not just for fitness or as a hobby, but also as a way of life. Yoga is a discipline. And not just that, it is good for your overall wellness.
Many scientists, physicians, psychologists, and researchers are discovering the many benefits of yoga, how the practice of yoga improves us physically and mentally, and how it can prevent certain illnesses. While much is still to be uncovered about the importance of yoga, everybody agrees on one thing: it’s good for you.
Here are some reasons why yoga is good for your health and overall wellness:
- It Works as a Pain Reliever
People with chronic pain can benefit from yoga. We know that self-care exercises aid in treating certain forms of illnesses and pain conditions. But yoga shows more promise. It can reduce pain scores in people with the autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic pain conditions. It does not only alleviate physical pain, but it improves one’s well-being as well.
- Decrease Anxiety and Depression
Yoga works as a therapy for depression and anxiety disorder. One specific form of yoga that works best for people with depression is mindfulness meditation. It gives people more focus and mental clarity, and a more stable emotional well-being. Researchers are now exploring the full potential of yoga in treating clinically depressed people.
- Positivity and Happiness
Yoga practices like meditation and asana affect the brain in a positive way. According to a researcher at the University of Wisconsin, meditation increases activities of the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain responsible for positive mood, emotional resilience, and equanimity. In other words, long-term yoga practice can make you happier, less emotionally explosive, and more positive in your outlook on life.
- Mental Sharpness and Clarity
Yoga practices, including pranayama, asana, and meditation, are designed to fine-tune your brain and give you more mental focus. It syncs your body and mind. It involves clearing your thoughts and letting go of physical and mental distractions. Because of this, yoga has shown promise in making you stay sharp and clear in the head. People who practice yoga has more control of attention and are likely to maintain their cognitive processing even as they age.
- Good for the Heart
Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States. The factors that can cause heart disease include sedentary lifestyle, high blood sugar, high bad cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure. Yoga can potentially reduce these factors. Yoga promotes overall wellness and in effect helps you have a healthier heart.
- Stronger Immune System
Studies show that yoga helps ward off illnesses. Yoga can make your immune system stronger by affecting gene expression. A program of breathing exercises, meditation, and gentle asana, along with other healthy habits, can improve your overall physical health.
- A Sense of Well-Being
Yoga affects levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a brain chemical which is associated with a sense of well-being and positive mood. Recent studies suggested that yoga can increase the levels of this brain chemical more than any other exercise. As mentioned earlier, yoga can help combat depression and anxiety depression, as well as promote positive and happy outlook on life. For this reason, among others, yoga is no doubt good for your overall wellness and well-being.
While yoga is important, getting help from the professionals for your physical or mental distress is still advised. Request an appointment with Valbuena Wellness for your body and mind wellness.