One only has to experience her/his first yoga class to feel the immediate benefits of yoga. One gains an increased awareness and connection to breath, mind and body. Students learn to remain present by observing the breath. This allows us to uncover our habit patterns of reaction, whether it be physically, mentally or by holding the breath. Awareness is the first step in letting go, in creating a healthy lifestyle. How can we let go of something we don't even know we are holding onto in the first place? The gift of yoga is that we learn when and if we clench our jaw, hold our breath/hyperventilate or disconnect and think about something other than our current downdog. Yoga creates a seemingly stressful environment, safely, so we can begin to recognize these patterns and replace them with healthy non-reactive patterns. We learn, ultimately, through yoga that no matter what comes up on or off our mat, to breathe, stay present and remain equanimous.
A few of the physiological benefits of yoga:
- Regulates major systems within the body
- Musculoskeletal flexibility and joint range of motion increase
- Eye-hand coordination is improved
- Posture improves
- Strength increases
- Endurance increases
- Energy increases
A few of the psychological benefits of yoga:
- Inner peace
- Self acceptance and self actualization increases
- Concentration improves
- Memory improves
- Attention improves
- Sense of connection with others increases
- Depression and anxiety decreases