7 Benefits of Yoga

Yoga makes you feel good – mentally and physically. You can feel the effects straight after a class when you have lowered your stress levels. After a few months you may feel that the pain in your back and neck has subsided. Scientific research has proven several health benefits of yoga, but regular yoga practice will surprise you in ways you did not think were possible! The more yoga we practice, the more benefits we discover. Find out more!

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Did you know that by practicing yoga you...
 

1. Detoxify and cleanse your body 
   Yoga oxygenates the blood and it is believed that certain poses stimulates the digestive system as well as kidneys and liver. It is further held that the twists have an especially cleansing effect whereas yoga breathing helps the oxygen to reach your bloodstream faster.
    
2. Practice patience
   Another wonderful result of regularly practicing yoga is that it helps us to let go of what will be and focus on what is now. Impatience tells us that we wish to be somewhere else and have a need to be in control of what is out of our hands. To focus on our breathing makes it easier for us to find stillness and balance, right here and now.
    
3. Balance your hormones 
   It is acknowledged that yoga is influential in creating balance in our system. In particular, the practice has a positive effect on the glands, in the endocrine system, which releases hormones into the bloodstream. Every time you work out and even in certain restorative yoga poses such as child’s pose, you will sense a calming and revitalizing influence on the adrenal glands which releases hormones, including the stress hormone cortisol. At the end of a stressful day, position yourself in child’s pose a few minutes to fully relax.
    
4. Improve your concentration 
   The mind is easily distracted and takes every chance to wander off in a daydream. Unfortunately this makes it difficult to focus and getting things done. During a yoga class you are continuously encouraged to return to your breathing and this will help you improve your concentration. Focus on your breathing, both on and off the matt and you will notice how your gradually become more attentive. 
    
5. Kindle your creativity 
   Our world has a daily impact on our creativity, may it be negative or positive. Yoga can inspire you to develop your creativity, and not only the artistic side but it can have a positive effect on your way of perceiving things and finding solutions. 
    
6. Boost your confidence 
   Yoga can be a real confidence booster. Not only does it develop our strength, balance and focus but when we witness our progress, we naturally increase our self-confidence. Challenge yourself to do the plank every morning and see what happens! 
7. Develop your intuition 
   You should trust you intuition, it's often right. If you meditate on a regular basis, it will help to still inner fears, phobias and doubts. Similarly you will be able to develop your intuition that will lead you forward rather than being led by your fears. 
    

How has yoga improved your life? 

Inspire others by posting your yoga experiences on our community and Facebook group: #BEYOGA365 

Can't wait to discover the positive effects yoga has on you? 

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Suggested reading

• Yoga for beginners
• Mindfulness
• Meditation

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