Decrease Stress

Multiple studies have shown that yoga can decrease secretion of cortisol. Cortisol is the hormone primarily responsible for stress in the body. By focusing on the movement of yoga, you give your mind a break from the stressors and shift your focus. In an article written by the Harvard Health Letter for Harvard Medical School, yoga was named as one of the ways in which we can work to control our reaction to stress. It is important to realize that stressors in your life will not disappear just because you start doing yoga, but your reaction to the stressors will be much less intense and debilitating.

Reduce Symptoms of Anxiety & Depression

Quite a bit of research published in the National Institute of Health database shows that practicing yoga can lead to a decrease in the symptoms of anxiety as well as depression. Yoga helps to decrease stress, as mentioned above. Stress is often a catalyst for anxiety and depression. Practicing physical exercise releases endorphins in the body. Endorphins are chemicals in the body that make us feel good, happy, energized, and so on.

Relieve Those Aches & Pains

Aches and pains are the result of inflammation in the body. Inflammation is the body’s way of responding to a stressor or something that is threatening to the body. Yoga works to reduce inflammation by relieving stress, tension, and releasing hormones that help repair and restore the body. Chronic inflammation can lead to chronic disease, so it is important that we implement things like yoga to boost that immune system and reduce inflammation!

Improve Your Heart Health

Heart disease is the #1 killer of men and women in America. Therefore, the health of your heart is an essential component of your overall health. Studies show that yoga may reduce several risk factors for heart disease, such as elevated blood pressure and high cholesterol. Some research shows that a lifestyle changes that include yoga, dietary changes, and stress management helped to stop the progression of heart disease in 47% of patients in the study! The implementation of a healthy habit has also been seen to make people more likely to follow a healthy diet and lose weight.

Now that you know a bit about the benefits of yoga, what will you do with this information?

We have added several new yoga classes to our schedule! We hope to see you in a class sometime soon!