I was always a gym-going woman. I liked high-intensity workouts and of course the overall gym-vibe. I even prefer the outdoors either jogging, cycling or going for short treks. Somehow, I always had the misconception that yoga is slow, it has only stretches and breathing techniques, which kept me away from it. I did try it a few times before crossing it off entirely from my exercise list. Yoga just didn’t click for me.
However, during pandemic as the outside world was shut down, I came to know that one of my friend who also is a certified yoga teacher is taking online classes.
As no other option left in sight for exercising, I enrolled for her classes and let me tell you my whole point of view changed.
Initially, I was intimidated with the yoga poses but slowly and steadily I got the hang of it or say I am still getting the hang of it.
The asanas, breathing techniques and meditation practices not only provide a complete workout to the body but also rejuvenation to the mind. It is a great way to tune into your body and inner-self, while building strength, flexibility and balance.
Research continues to discover additional benefits of yoga beyond the mat. Infact numerous studies show practicing yoga benefits arthritis, balance issues and much more. That might help explain why people of all ages practice this mind-body-spiritual exercise.
Following are few benefits of practicing yoga:
1. Boosts Creativity – Many people think that creativity and imagination are traits you either have or don’t. However, research shows that regular practice of yoga can enhance these skills. By concentrating on your breathing patterns, posture and movements, you can learn to channel your inner creativity.
2. Increases Confidence – Studies have shown that yoga can boost confidence in oneself due to its effect on the brain. The amygdala is a part of the brain responsible for our fight-or-flight response. Amygdala activity decreases when we meditate. Hence, the more often you practice yoga, the less likely it is that you will experience negative emotions.
3. Fights fatigue – Physical exercise eases stress by reducing cortisol levels – the stress hormone. During yoga our heart pumps more oxygen-rich blood to the muscles and organs in our body which helps in reducing stress and tiredness. Meditation techniques can create mental clarity and calmness to relax the mind.
4. Promotes better balance – As age progresses people tend to lose mobility due to inactivity, yoga helps in promoting stability in physical balance. Many yoga poses require you to bear your body weight in challenging ways such as balancing on one leg in a tree pose which increases blood flow to the muscles and builds physical strength, muscular endurance and balance.
5. Improves posture – Besides health related issues, poor posture can make you look older than you are. Having a good posture on the other hand makes one look taller, slimmer and more confident. Good posture is one of the foundations of a successful yoga routine. Regular practice of yoga can prevent lower back pain as well as shoulder and neck pain.
6. Improves focus – Holding a yoga pose correctly takes a combination of concentration and endurance. This can also help you sharpen your mental focus on other situations in your life and connect with their inner selves. This improved sense of self-awareness can help you manage your anxiety and depression better.
7. Happy state – Yoga isn’t just good for your body – it’s also good for your mind. Regular yoga practice helps one achieve a state of happiness and contentment. It teaches you how to live in the present moment and connect with your inner-self. As a result, you will be less likely to focus on things beyond your control. This increased sense of peace and calmness can make you happier overall.
Practicing yoga has even helped me immensely in my outdoor running. As it has enhanced my flexibility, strengthened muscles, it prevents running-related injuries. My stamina has increased due to the breathing exercises.
To sum it up, my point of view is Yoga is a unique form of exercise as it combines the mindful benefits of meditation with physical poses. After a session of yoga, I feel calmer and more aware of my body and this seeps into everything I do; how I carry on with my day and how I relate with others. Yoga helps in improving your overall mind-set. Besides a mat, Yoga requires little-to-no equipment but it’s benefits go far beyond the mat.
Image Courtesy: Personal Pic shared by our author Swati Mohandas
Do you agree with our writer’s perspective on yoga and its transformative benefits? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section!
About the Author:
Swati Mohandas is a Philosophy graduate and a certified computer professional from Mumbai, based in Pune with her family for the last two decades. Literature has always fascinated her. She writes short stories, blogs, poems, and has ventured into freelance content writing. She has published an award-winning book of collected poems titled Myriad Whispers, available on Amazon. When she’s not writing, she enjoys listening to music, exploring the outdoors, and scanning local bookstores.
