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