Whether one has never done yoga, is new to yoga, or has been practicing yoga for a short time, the same question may arise: “What are these poses accomplishing?” When yoga first became popular, people thought it was nothing more than a funny way to exercise. People wonder if yoga is really worth the time and strain. Researchers state time and time again, that not only is yoga a good habit, but it’s nearly a must for promoting health and well-being in life.

How Postures Minimize Stress

How can those funny looking postures, with even stranger names, really do something for our bodies? According to research conducted at the Mayo Clinic, yoga is a fantastic way to burst those stress bubbles. Most people live in a world of chronic stress. Anxiety and stress are both contributing to a decline in the average American’s health. However, there is a way to minimize this trend, it’s easier than ever to get rid of some of that stress and yoga is the place to do it.

What Is Yoga?

Yoga can offer one’s body the relaxation it is craving and the calmness that the mind genuinely needs.  The yoga postures, coupled with some specific breathing exercises, can be the right type of stress management tool for your life. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Yoga is considered a mind-body type of complementary and alternative medicine practice. Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines to achieve peacefulness of body and mind, helping you relax and manage stress and anxiety.”

So how does one incorporate yoga into a daily routine that is already crammed with to-dos?

Go to a Yoga Class

Since yoga is incredibly effective for improved relaxation and chronic stress management, it makes sense to go to yoga weekly. One class can wipe out that stress and bring balance quickly to one’s day and week.

Plan a Yoga Getaway

To really boost one’s ability to get some time away and chill out, entertain the idea of a yoga getaway. One can learn how to do yoga and mediate, the two elements that make the practice of yoga such a valuable tool and also so relaxing.

Do It At Home

There are countless books and videos available to help teach yoga at home. If one is unable or unwilling to go to a studio to practice yoga, this is a good route to take. Get a yoga mat, turn the TV into an instructor, and strike a pose.

It’s Time to Get Moving

Still unsure if yoga is the right way to boost one’s health?  Consider this- yoga comes with very few side effects and a host of valuable benefits. According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), yoga is the sixth most common complementary practice in the country, with more than 1.5 million children practicing it and 13 million adults doing so as well. In another study, the NIH states that those with chronic low back pain found improvement and less disability, pain and depression after participating in yoga for six months.

Yoga, as strange as it looks and feels at first, is a fantastic tool for busting stress, improving body aches and pains, and even giving someone a reason to hang out with friends. Men, women and children all benefit from the use of yoga. It doesn’t have to be done everyday,  but regular practices can make someone feel very good. It’s time to buy a mat and get started.

Sources:

1. Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/yoga/CM00004″>http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/yoga/CM00004

2. National Institute of Health: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/yoga/introduction.htm