Yoga and its amazing health benefits
If you already follow us on social media, you will know that February at Tea+ is all about mindfulness. This week, we’ve been looking at yoga, a particularly effective mindful activity that can reduce stress and improve balance, flexibility and strength. It is also a great way to incorporate more physical activity into your lifestyle.
So, what is yoga?
Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that has dramatically increased in popularity in recent years. People all across the world use yoga as a means of escape from their busy lives, due to its many health benefits and ability to calm the mind.
Simply, yoga is a mind and body practice designed to loosen muscles, stretch the body and build strength. There is a whole host of different styles, though it would be impossible to say any one of them is superior to the others. The key is to find a style that best suits you.
Why should I start?
There have been heaps of scientific trials and papers published on the benefits of yoga that have concluded that yoga is good for you.
For example, there is evidence that yoga reduces the production of cortisol, thereby relieving stress. On top of this, studies have suggested that practising yoga may improve heart health, reduce inflammation, fight mental illness, relieve migraines, reduce chronic pain and promote restful sleep.
In short, yoga is an excellent tool for increasing your quality of life.
How can I start?
One of the best things about yoga is that it is accessible to everyone. You don’t need to be a yogi or yogini, or even understand the terminology, to practise yoga and it doesn’t matter where you are in your health and fitness journey, you can take the leap into the wonderful world of downward dogs at any time. Just jump online, have a quick google search and watch a couple of YouTube videos and you will be inundated with beginner guides to yoga.
So, roll out your yoga mat or just use the living room rug, whatever works for you, and discover the multiple benefits of yoga for yourself.
