6 Hidden Benefits of Yoga
While yoga isn’t technically a cardio workout, it is undeniable that it does come with a couple of health benefits both for the mind and body.
It’s common knowledge that yoga can improve one’s flexibility and build muscle mass but the truth is, yoga does more than the physical aspect. It relaxes the mind, relieves stress, and leaves one with lasting peace of mind.
It’s not surprising why a lot of people are going crazy over yoga and below are some of its added benefits that will push you to become a glorified yogi.
It helps quell one’s cravings
It’s no secret that yoga is believed to help one lose weight and one of the reasons why this is is because it helps train the mind to overcome certain obstacles and limitations.
One of the things these mindfulness skills teach you to control is your food cravings. Doing and maintaining those poses isn’t for nothing. For one, it helps you develop the willpower to keep you from devouring that leftover cake inside the fridge.
It can help strengthen the immune system
Studies have shown that the genes change with just two hours of yoga. It activates several genes that can help regulate the immune cells, giving them the needed boost to fight diseases.
If you easily catch coughs and colds especially during the cold seasons, doing yoga regularly may just be the answer you’re looking for in keeping yourself stronger and healthier.
It may help minimize the occurrence of migraine
Do you often experience migraines?
Practicing yoga may be able to help you minimize its occurrence. According to research, migraine patients who have been doing yoga for more than three months started experiencing fewer episodes.
The headaches they were getting were also less painful, making them use medicines less and lowering the anxiety and depression they were feeling as well.
It can help improve heart health
Several studies have also shown that yoga may be able to help improve heart health while also reducing the risk of heart disease.
Another study involving participants 40 years and above who practiced yoga for five years saw their blood pressure go down compared to those who didn’t.
As we all know, high blood pressure is one of the major causes of heart ailments, such as heart attacks and strokes.
It may help fight depression
There have been several studies that seem to suggest that yoga can be a very good anti-depressant because of its ability to lower the symptoms of depression.
One of the possible reasons why this conclusion came is probably because of the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that apparently, yoga can help decrease.
It can improve the quality of sleep
There’s no question that good sleep quality is essential for optimum health. Getting your seven to eight hours of sleep helps you focus and gives you more energy to perform your daily functions.
Poor sleep quality in the meantime can lead to several health issues such as obesity and high blood pressure, among others.
Studies have shown that yoga can increase the body’s melatonin secretion which helps regulate sleep and wakefulness.
Final Thoughts
There’s no question that yoga comes with a ton of physical and mental benefits. Understanding each of these benefits will help you become more aware of the importance of yoga and motivate you to stay consistent with your yoga practice.
