Health Benefits of Yoga
Have you ever considered going to a yoga class, but then found yourself feeling too intimidated to go? We’ve all been there—but you actually don’t need to be particularly flexible (or already fit) in order to try this light form of exercise. In fact, it’s actually easy to get started for most beginners, including older adults and those with reduced mobility. Let’s explore the physical and emotional health benefits of yoga.
The Benefits of Yoga
Do you often feel stressed or overwhelmed? Yoga can help, as it benefits both the mind and body. It often increases an overall sense of well-being. Yoga can be helpful for those experiencing anxiety or depression because the deep, mindful breathing regulates the parasympathetic nervous system, often responsible for panic attacks and your body’s “fight or flight” response to stress. You may also experience an increase in self-awareness, a stronger connection with others, and might even gain additional focus in your life by regularly practicing yoga.
Yoga is extremely inclusive, and anyone can practice some form of it. Since there are so many options, most people with physical impairments or limited mobility can usually find a type of yoga that works for them. Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is often ideal for the elderly: this type of yoga doesn’t require standing for long periods of time in difficult positions. You can stay seated and focus on the mindful breathing, chanting and gentle stretches. Face yoga, another slightly lesser-known form of yoga practice, helps relax and tone muscles in the face. This form of yoga is all about tensing and relaxing the muscles in your face in order to relieve stress.
While the physical benefits of yoga are very appealing, many people try it for the psychological benefits as well. Most yoga classes focus on developing awareness, acceptance, and letting go of judgment in general. For people who struggle with mental illness, yoga can feel like a “safe space.” Yoga is known to improve symptoms associated with PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
New Yoga Trends
There are always new yoga trends on the horizon. This makes yoga an exciting, versatile experience with new options seemingly popping up each day. Try goat yoga, for one! Goat yoga might be a great experience for long-time animal lovers, or for anyone who just wants to nurture a connection with wildlife and nature. Along with the benefits of yoga itself, the animals can offer an additional positive outlet for participants who experience anxiety, depression, or symptoms associated with a serious illness such as cancer.
Want to combine your love for yoga with being out on the water? Give SUP a.k.a. stand-up paddleboard yoga a try. Yoga on a moving surface provides new challenges to those who might have grown tired of a classroom environment. Many appreciate being immersed in the sounds and sights of nature while doing yoga out on the water. A strong focus on movement and balance is required for participants of SUP classes– therefore, SUP yoga is a good option for experienced people looking for a new challenge. But if you’re a beginner, you can still do modified, lower intensity poses in a supportive SUP yoga class.
Support for a Healthy Mind, Body and Spirit
From simple chair yoga to exciting trends like SUP yoga and goat yoga, there are a variety of ways to get started and advance your yoga practice. Build greater agility, calm the mind, and laugh more when learning new poses or enjoying the company of animals. Speak with a MedPost Urgent Care healthcare professional to understand more about the advantages of yoga and breathing exercises today.