The Top 5 Reasons to Consistently Practice Yoga

            Yoga is mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally beneficial for the body, mind and soul. The hardest part about yoga, and any other fitness for that matter, is getting to the mat. However, excuses like being “too busy” or “too tired” don’t hold up because yoga can fix both. Obviously yoga can’t dictate the business of your schedule, but it can help relieve the stress and pressure associated with being busy and put your mind at ease- if only while you’re on your mat.

            If you still aren’t convinced that making time and energy for yoga is important, read the top 5 reasons to practice yoga:

1)   Yoga helps put your body and mind in harmony. Getting to the mat isn’t just about fitness for your body but for your mind too, and harmonizing both to work together as one. Putting the body and mind in sync helps relieve stress, and helps to keep your emotions healthy and realized. Consistently practicing yoga can harmonize your body and mind even when you are outside of practice.

2)   It helps to boost your immunity. Yoga is a practice that is extremely nourishing to the body because it conditions every cell in the body. It can improve circulation, blood pressure, lung and heart function, glands, and more by sweeping toxins out of the body. You will notice that with continued practice you are much more likely to avoid illnesses and remain healthy.

3)   It helps to boost energy and focus. Long workdays and life’s little challenges can drain the energy we work hard to get while we rest. Yoga can act as a charging system for your tired body because it allows you to focus and concentrate on the practice and the breath. When you leave, your body and mind feel refreshed and rejuvenated so you are able to better focus and hone in on other aspects of your life.

4)   Improves mood and stress levels.  Not only is yoga good for the body because of the stretching and fitness aspect, but the meditation can improve your mental health undoubtedly. Yoga encourages a positive mood and controls anxiety within the brain chemically.  Deep breathing and concentration during yoga allows the brain to release oxytocin which makes your mood lightened and overall makes you happier.

5)   Improves posture, strength and flexibility. A series of yoga poses allows your body to stretch and engage all the muscles, ligaments and tendons. By focusing the mind on the breath and mental state, we can encourage our bodies to delve further into the positions, which in turn promotes strength in the muscles. With strength comes control to be balanced and flexible. Improved flexibility and strength will naturally improve posture as your muscles remember.

Consistent yoga practice is the key to taking full advantage of what it has to offer. Getting your mind, body and soul in sync will make you feel better than you ever have before.