5 Reasons You Should Practice Yoga and Its Benefits



Quote of the day: 

Yoga is a method for restraining the natural turbulence of thoughts, which otherwise impartially prevent all men, of all lands, from glimpsing their true nature of Spirit. Yoga cannot know a barrier of East and West any more than does the healing and equitable light of the sun. 
-Paramahansa Yogananda 




We all buy things from time to time that we end up not using. Sometimes its a spur of the moment decision. Somewhere inside our brain a light bulb flicks on and we visualize that thing that we want. And two clicks later its ordered and awaiting delivery. Plus you even have the option of same day delivery (Thanks Amazon!).

However, sadly this post is neither about buying things not needed, nor is it about falling for retail tricks that companies use to get you to buy more. It is instead about yoga -which originated in India and became a popular discipline across the globe.

During some recent de-cluttering I stumbled on an exercise/yoga mat that I purchased almost 2 years ago. It had sat there for so long -talk about perseverance. Long story short, I decided to start working out again, after a long hiatus. And to supplement it, I decided to try out yoga. This was a few weeks ago. Below I share some reasons why everyone should practice yoga poses, at home or in a practice class with a yogi.


1. Why Yoga?

Why not yoga? Contrary to popular belief -which I also shared at some point, yoga is not just for women. I've heard stories of yoga classes filled with women, and maybe just the odd guy or two in yoga pants, but that should not put you off as a man, trust me. For one, start at home -like I have done. All you require is a mat, a quiet place, and you can search tons of yoga beginner videos on YouTube. Exercise is important and incorporating yoga in your program is indeed beneficial.


2. Health  benefits

Yoga is known for its extensive health benefits. It can improve your flexibility, stamina, blood circulation, lower blood pressure, rid your body of toxins, make you sleep better, improve your confidence, help with depression and anxiety, and so much more. Its so beneficial that some doctors are prescribing yoga to their patients. There are even pre-natal yoga classes taught by yoga teachers.


3. It Improves your posture

The way you carry yourself matters. The way you walk, and sit, and glide through life is important.With yoga you become more flexible. On my first day I think I lasted for just 5 minutes. I couldn't complete the exercises -because I was not a well oiled machine. My body was out of tune. A violinist without a violin. A guitarist without a ....you get the picture. You stand to increase your strength and flexibility with yoga, which leads to a better posture and confidence.

4. It helps with breathing

A common aspect of yoga is breathing while practicing each move. Breathing practices that quietens the mind and focuses you to focus on just that -inhaling and exhaling. Each breath a surmountable mountain -all the worries and pain of life, all the stress and anxiety -exhaled out in order to regain one's inner presence and energy. Yoga deepens your breathing, expands the lungs, and relaxes you.


5. Helps you focus

With its relaxing exercises yoga helps you focus. Being in the present and taking ownership of your actions and reactions to everything around you -your goals, relationships, and principles, can all benefit if you remain focused. You become less distracted by negativity, and more open to being the best version of yourself that you can be.


There are lot more reasons to practice yoga that can be found online, if you are thinking of trying it out. If you are already practicing then well done to you and continue on that journey. I am only a few weeks in, and practice for around 20 minutes first thing every morning -which I am told is the best time really, to start off the day on a positive note. Of course there are yoga classes you can join to get more inspiration.

Update: I understand that yoga may not be for everyone. So do seek medical advice if you have ongoing health issues. And do as much research as possible for exercises that will suit your lifestyle. 


Peace. Love. Light* 


Current Listen: Shivkumar Sharma & Hariprasad Chaurasia- In Search of Peace,Love & Harmony



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32 Comments

  1. As you age, yoga is great for one's balance, a problem for seniors.

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  2. It is a good read, and I agree it teach to breath properly which is something we often forget easily.

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  3. Thanks so much for coming to visit, Mr. Blogoratti...it is always a treat to hear from you.
    I've thought of trying yoga but just never have. Should do it.

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  4. Stop in from Andrew. Yoga has always interested me...If you fine the time stop in for a cup of coffee

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  5. Amazing post, dear! Looks wonderful :)


    Zapraszam na bloga.

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  6. Hello,
    A beautiful and matching picture for this text about yoga.

    Best regards,
    Marco

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  7. Thank you for your recent visits to my blog--they always make me smile! I've popped over to see what you are up to and have read through your last posts, but will not comment on each for now. As for Yoga, good for YOU! One day I plan to be a regular! My (Indian) doctor taught me some moves years ago to help with an upper back problem, which helped. I would l'm inspired by your post to try it again to improve flexibility. Love your quote on the most recent post!

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  8. Good for you! Maybe you needed to rediscover the mat because yoga wanted you. LOL! I don't do yoga but I know a lot of people who do and just love. Good luck.

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  9. I have never tried yoga myself, but with all of the reasons you listed brings me back to what you said to begin with....why not?

    Oh yes Amazon does make it easy to gather things.

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  10. I've considered it. I guess it comes down to time. I liked the days I could get a brisk workout on the street...but the knees cant take that anymore

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  11. I take yoga and love it. As I get older (and I'm already no spring chicken) its important for keeping up my strength, for balance, for staying centered. I think some people may be concerned about not being able to "do" the poses, when it's really about starting where you are, no matter how stiff or lame and doing what you can do (it's so non-competitive), learning to breathe, and being present. I can't recommend it enough, particularly for older people and those with joint and muscle issues.

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  12. Been doing it for 4 years now, far more bendy at my sea lol

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  13. Yoga was the only exercise I ever loved. I should never have stopped doing it. Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. I look forward to getting to know you more here.

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  14. I have just recently started yoga. I just do the basics for 5 minutes every morning when I get up. It's a good way to start the day.

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  15. I've dabbled in yoga in the past and would agree with everything you've said above! Instead, though, I practice a form of diaphragm breathing which gives me some of the same benefits.

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  16. Hi Blogoratti - I couldn't do yoga or pilates as I had a wonky hip - didn't know that .. but it's fixed now. Now I need to settle and so something - you have convinced me I need to get exercising, other than walking ... so thanks for this - I'm on it!! Cheers Hilary

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  17. Oh, I've always wanted to take a yoga class. You have listed some important reasons why this class is beneficial. I didn't know it originated in India, interesting. Makes sense though, as they are peaceful people. I did, however, buy some Yoga bunnies for Easter this year. They're hilarious. : )

    ~Sheri

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  18. Have you seen the video "Yoga for Yankees"? Such fun. I hope you'll check it out. It's about the only Yoga I can do with all of my disc and joint problems.

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    1. I watched the video and it was a delight! Thanks for visiting!

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  19. Yoga has such wonderful health benefits for sure. I definitely feel more centered when I'm regularly practicing it.

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  20. You know, for years I've been saying I should try it! :)

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  21. So interesting post!
    Have a nice evening!
    Gil Zetbase

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  22. I believe absolutely in the effects of yoga!
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    www.dressedwithsoul.com

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  23. Yoga can be wonderful. I'm glad you've decided to give it a try. Yoga is something I used to do, but haven't for a long time. Thanks for the reminder.

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  24. My daughter in law does a lot of yoga and wants me to join her but so far I have not done so. However, I have been doing excercises to counteract a sore hip which were prescribed by a physiotherapist, and the routine of doing these movements every day is somewhat like yoga in it's concentration and repetition.

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  25. I've never done yoga...not even back in the Swinging Sixties when it's popularity really took off.

    Perhaps I should, but these days I'd probably get stuck in a pose and remain there!! :)

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  26. i've tried it but never followed through long term with it. i've seen others really enjoy it. ( :
    never used Uber, don't need taxis is the country. ha. ha!! ( ;

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  27. Yoga is very popular and enjoyed by many.

    All the best Jan

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  28. Thanks for this...the ancients believed and used many techniques to keep the body balanced. And in our fast-paced lifestyle now days, I think keeping balance in more important than ever. We are so busy...and many of us let our bodies take the weight of every day life. Yoga helps bring that balance back for mind, body, and spirit.
    ~Chris

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  29. Great post. I do yoga and it has really improved my flexibility and strength. I use it to help my running and it has worked wonders on my back and legs.

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