The unexpected benefits of yoga are going to blow your mind seriously!
Yoga’s a popular exercise that’s been practiced around the world for thousands of years.
Most know about the physical benefits of yoga, like improved flexibility and core strength, there are also lots of additional benefits that are less well-known.
I’ve researched the 23 most surprising benefits of yoga that you might not know about yet.
I’m hoping these might give you more understanding of yoga and that it’s not just a workout but can also get your wellbeing on track.
John Hopkins Medicine supports the many benefits associated with practising yoga.
1. Enhanced Creativity
Have you ever found yourself unable to get into your creative activities?
Would you believe, yoga might be your solution.
The synchronization of your mind and body during yoga can somehow increase your ability to think creatively and with innovation.
It sparks thinking on that level, breaks down mental barriers and give us a surge in creativity.
2. Improved Lung Capacity
The controlled breathing techniques in yoga aren’t just for show.
They contribute to increasing your lung capacity, which in turn allows better respiratory health and more oxygen flowing through the body.
3. Stronger Bones
During yoga when we do weight-bearing poses like Downward Dog and Warrior they cause us to build bone density.
This reduces the chance of getting osteoporosis and improves overall bone health.
4. Improves Allergies
The breathing techniques in yoga can help alleviate allergy symptoms.
Controlled breath word can clear out nasal passages and reduce the impact of allergens.
5. Reduces Inflammation
Heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and many other conditions are linked to prolonged inflammation.
Many studies have proven that yoga reduces the inflammation in the body in general.
This reduces the risk of chronic disease like cancer and coronary issues.
6. Better Posture
Some of the poses in yoga increase the muscles in your body and in particular your back.
The strengthening of these muscles leads to improved posture.
7. Reduces Migraines
I know personally how debilitating migraines can be.
Yoga has been shown to reduce the intensity and frequency of migraines.
8. Less Menstrual Pain
Ladies, this one is a bonus for us! Studies have shown that due to less stress and anxiety because of doing yoga, this also reduces the pain during your periods.
9. Social Connection
If you go to face to face yoga classes its an amazing opportunity to meet with like-minded people.
The sense of belonging and shared practice helps to improve our connections and we can make a network of people willing to support us.
10. Reduces Symptoms of ADHD
Yoga requires us to focus and maintain our attention on breathing and holding poses.
This can benefit anyone with ADHD, the improved focus flows into other areas of your life too!
11. Improves Eye Health
In this digital age where we spend so many hours looking at screens, this one is weird but true.
Yoga reduces eye strain and improves the blood flow to the eyes.
12. Reduces Symptoms of Arthritis
Gentle yoga has been shown to ease some of the discomfort of tender, swollen joints for people with arthritis, according to a Johns Hopkins review of 11 recent studies.
So, we’ve established earlier that yoga reduces inflammation, which is a major factor in the symptoms of arthritis.
In addition to that it also improves flexibility, which also helps fight against the restrictions of arthritis.
13. Better Skin
And another benefit from the lower inflammation rates, skin improves with less inflammation and stress in the body.
14. Pain Management
Yoga’s gentle movements can be so soothing for chronic pain.
It’s been shown to be effective in managing conditions like lower back pain, arthritis, and migraines.
15. Weight Regulation
Because yoga encourages us to live a healthy lifestyle, this all helps to improve our weight regulation.
Mindful eating practices often develop alongside the physical aspects of yoga.
16. Emotional Healing
Yoga gives us a safe space to bring to the surface and release trapped emotions.
The practice is about self-discovery, healing your emotions and building resilience.
17. Enhanced Relationships
The mindfulness that’s built into your yoga practice extends to interactions with others.
Many will notice better communication, empathy, and patience which help improve all of our relationships.
18. Improved Balance
Balancing poses can sometimes seem really difficult, keep in the back of your mind that they actively help with you coordination and balance.
It results in better stability in our everyday activities (particularly as we age).
19. Reduces Depression Symptoms
Did you know that yoga increases the serotonin levels in the brain?
This can have a big impact on anyone who has depression, as serotonin helps improve your mood, stress and anxiety.
20. Enhanced Sleep Quality
Yoga’s calming effects can carry over into our sleeping patterns.
A regular practice has been linked to improved sleep quality and better overall sleep patterns.
21. Enhanced Concentration
The combination of breath and movement in yoga elevates our focus and ability to concentrate.
This mental clarity can impact our every day lives with improved productivity and decision-making.
22. Improved Sexual Function
One of the well known benefits of yoga is the lowering stress levels and anxiety.
Both of these can make for much improved sexual function, as the pressure is off and you can relax and be in the moment.
23. Increased Energy Levels
Rather than using up our energy, yoga brings us more.
The combination of physical movement, breath control, and mindfulness boosts our overall energy and general zest for life.
Conclusion
You can see from all of these benefits that including yoga into your routine isn’t just a fitness choice; it’s an investment into your well-being.
It really doesn’t matter if you’re unrolling your mat to become more physically strong, for better mental clarity, or these unexpected benefits, each session is a move in the direction of a healthier life and a healthier you.
Next time you decide to do yoga, remember that you’re not just getting into position—you’re unlocking so many unexpected benefits for your mind, body, and soul. Namaste.
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