International yoga day 2016

Weight loss, a strong and flexible body, glowing beautiful skin, peaceful mind, good health – whatever you may be looking for, yoga has it on offer.

However, very often, yoga is only partially understood as being limited to asana (yoga poses).

As such, its benefits are only perceived to be at the body level and we fail to realize the immense benefits yoga offers in uniting the body, mind and breath.

When you are in harmony, the journey through life is calmer, happier and more fulfilling.

Benefits of Yoga:

Improves your flexibility; Builds muscle strength; Perfects your posture; Prevents cartilage and joint breakdown; Protects your spine; Betters your bone health; Increases your blood flow; Drains your lymph’s and boosts immunity; Ups your heart rate; Drops your blood pressure; Regulates your adrenal glands; Makes you happier; Founds a healthy lifestyle; Lowers blood sugar; Helps you focus; Relaxes your system ; Improves your balance; Maintains your nervous system; Releases tension in your limbs; Helps you sleep deeper; Gives your lungs room to breathe; Prevents IBS and other digestive problems; Gives you peace of mind; Increases your self-esteem; Eases your pain; Gives you inner strength; Connects you with guidance; Helps keep you drug free; Builds awareness for transformation; Benefits your relationships; Uses sounds to soothe your sinuses; Guides your body’s healing in your mind’s eye; Keeps allergies and viruses at bay; Helps you serve others; Encourages self-care; Supports your connective tissue; With all this and much more to offer, the benefits of yoga are felt in a profound yet subtle manner.

Here, we look at the top 8 benefits of regular yoga practice.

1. Weight loss.

Yoga benefits here too. Surya Namaskar and Kapal Bhati pranayama are some ways to help lose weight with yoga.

Moreover, with regular practice of yoga, we tend to become more sensitive to the kind of food our body asks for and when. Also helps to keep a check on weight.

2. Boosts immunity.

Our system is a seamless blend of the body, mind and spirit. An irregularity in the body affects the mind and similarly unpleasantness or restlessness in the mind can manifest as an ailment in the body. Yoga poses massage organs and strengthens muscles; breathing techniques and meditation release stress and improves immunity.

3. Improves your flexibility & posture.

You only need to include yoga in your daily routine to benefit from a body that is strong, supple and flexible. Regular yoga practice stretches and tones the body muscles and also makes them strong. It also helps improve your body posture when you stand, sit, sleep or walk. This would, in turn, help relieve you of body pain due to incorrect posture.

4. Gives you peace of mind.

We all love to visit peaceful, serene spots, rich in natural beauty. Little do we realize that peace can be found right within us and we can take a mini-vacation to experience this any time of the day! Benefit from a small holiday every day with yoga and meditation. Yoga is also one of the best ways to calm a disturbed mind. A few minutes of yoga during the day can be a great way to get rid of stress that accumulates daily – in both the body and mind.

Yoga postures, pranayama and meditation are effective techniques to release stress.

Yoga helps detox the body and de-stress the mind.

5. Benefits your relationships.

Yoga can even help improve your relationship with your spouse, parents, friends or loved ones! A mind that is relaxed, happy and contented is better able to deal with sensitive relationship matters. Yoga and meditation work on keeping the mind happy and peaceful; benefit from the strengthened special bond you share with people close to you.

6. Boosts energy.

Do you feel completely drained out by the end of the day? Shuttling between multiple tasks through the day can sometimes be quite exhausting. A few minutes of yoga everyday provides the secret to feeling fresh and energetic even after a long day. A 10-minute online guided meditation benefits you immensely, leaving you refreshed and recharged in the middle of a hectic day.

7. Better intuition.

Yoga and meditation have the power to improve your intuitive ability so that you effortlessly realize what needs to be done, when and how, to yield positive results. It works. You only need to experience it yourself.

8. All-round fitness.

You are truly healthy when you are not just physically fit but also mentally and emotionally balanced. Health is not a mere absence of disease. It is a dynamic expression of life – in terms of how joyful, loving and enthusiastic you are. This is where yoga helps: postures, pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation are a fitness package.

Remember, yoga is a continuous process. So keep practicing! The deeper you move into your yoga practice, the more are its benefits. Yoga practice helps develop the body and mind bringing a lot of health benefits yet is not a substitute for medicine. In case of any medical condition, practice yoga postures after consulting a doctor.