The Benefits of Yoga

by Phoebe Clark

Yoga is a popular and easy form of exercise for all ages, the population of yogis is increasing every day. According to The Yoga journal, there are 20 million people that regularly practice yoga in the US alone.

There are three sections used to simplify and explain the benefits of doing regular yoga practice: between the ears; for the heart and for the Body. Each individual benefit fits into one of these categories. 

Between the ears means the mind and mindset. Regular yoga practice has been scientifically proven to improve focus, decrease stress levels, reduce migraines and improve memory. This is done by calming the nervous system by controlled breathing, meditation and active yoga poses which need to be controlled. Yoga controls negative emotions by increasing circulation and the production of dopamine, leading to a happier, healthier brain. Yoga is a huge combat to mental health issues because of the meditation to calm the average of 48.8 thoughts per minute. 

The heart hugely benefits from yoga. It lowers cholesterol; reduces their risk of heart disease and increases heart rate, leading to a healthier heart in the long term. And the perks of yoga for the body is a never-ending list. It includes: increased flexibility and balance; improves sleep quality and levels of relaxation; increased endurance and weight loss. 

Many people think that these benefits will only ‘kick in’ if they do 2 hours of yoga a day, throwing intricate and trying poses that will impress an experienced yogi, but that’s not the case! These benefits have been seen after 10 minutes a day of quiet meditation and basic, easy yoga.