The Unexpected Benefits of Yoga [Infographic]

Infographic by ieureka.net

With over 100 different types, Yoga has been around for more than 5000 years. The benefits of practicing even just a few moves a week can show beneficial results, physically and emotionally. Whilst research on the full benefits is still at an early stage, yoga can transform both your mind and body.

The many benefits of yoga include:

• Increased muscle strength and flexibility.

• Encourages good posture and balance.

• Increases bone strength.

• Reduces neck and back pain.

• Improves brain function, concentration skills, and memory.

• Lowers blood pressure.

• Helps maintain a healthy weight.

But did you know there are many more unexpected benefits to practicing yoga? It's not just about trying to do the most difficult pose possible! Here are a few unexpected benefits:

Relaxation

Yoga relaxes your whole body. Emphasis is on controlling your breathing, taking long, slow breaths which lowers blood pressure, lowers heart rate and increases blood flow to your vital organs.

Combats depression

Yoga can be used to combat depression, anxiety and can decrease stress levels. Mood enhancing hormones are released which helps to develop a more positive outlook on life, and gain focus on what really matters. By focusing your mind on your present thoughts, this helps you to concentrate and become less distracted.

Increases mindfulness

Practising yoga can help clear your mind from everyday distractions. It puts the focus back onto you, which can help you prioritize your life more efficiently. It can also help you become more conscious of other people's feelings and also when dealing with problems.

Sleep better

Sleep quality is greatly improved as you will feel more relaxed and more content from within.

Reduces stress

Stress is linked to so many health problems, so if you can reduce stress levels, you are on your way to a healthier lifestyle. Some yoga techniques can ease digestive problems by helping food, waste and toxins move through the body quicker.

Become more positive

By gaining a positive, inner strength, this can encourage you to make changes in your life. Yoga can help increase your self-esteem and help gain a more positive approach to various aspects of your life. Yoga and meditation can help reduce feelings of anger by calming the nervous system and the mind, giving you an increased feeling of compassion and helping you rid yourself of destructive emotions.

Improve skin health

Our skin can reflect how our body is feeling and can show signs of stress, fatigue and nutrient deficiencies. Through yoga, the circulation in our body is greatly improved and stress levels are reduced. Yoga can alleviate skin conditions such as eczema and acne.

Builds relationships

Yoga can help develop kindness, compassion and can improve relationships by working on the basis that you should tell the truth, avoid harm to others and only take what you need.

Boosts lymphatic System

Yoga techniques can help move toxins and waste through our body quicker which improves our immunity to viruses and diseases.

Reduces disease and illnesses

Through strength training, yoga makes bones stronger thus reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Increased blood circulation helps nutrients and essential vitamins to be absorbed more easily. Cholesterol levels are also lowered due to this increased circulation.

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