Exfoliation Archives - Dawata

How to Meditate While Doing Yoga?

wpx_dawata — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 07:14:18 +0000

How to Meditate While Doing Yoga?

Practicing meditation with yoga is like pairing ham and cheese – you can enjoy both on their own, but combining them makes everything much better.

Meditation complements yoga and vice-versa since both create harmony between the mind and body.

Here are ways to incorporate meditation into yoga so you can reap the benefits that both practices offer.

1.Focus on your breath

This is a core part of yoga and meditation, so you could have already been unconsciously working your way to a more meditative state of mind while doing your asanas!

2. Take it slow

Try to go slower when doing poses and transitions. The goal isn’t to move like a sloth, but to move at a comfortable pace where you can take fuller, deeper, and more intentional breaths.

3. Feel all the sensations

This is a core part of yoga and meditation, so you could have already been unconsciously working your way to a more meditative state of mind while doing your asanas!

4. Do Shavasana

Also called the corpse pose, Shavasana is a great asana for relaxation of the mind and body. You lie down and focus on your breath as you scan your body from head to toe to quiet your mind and body.

Meditating while doing yoga can be challenging. Continue to find a method that suits your mind, body, and intentions. Dawata Wellness Meditation Classes are here to help you find your path to serenity.

The post How to Meditate While Doing Yoga? appeared first on Dawata.

How Does Yoga Improve Heart Health

wpx_dawata — Tue, 17 May 2022 01:44:53 +0000

How Does Yoga Improve Heart Health

No one wants to have a broken heart, whether in the literal or figurative/romantic sense. Sadly, heart problems (cardiovascular diseases) are the leading cause of death globally. According to the World Health Organization, this is the cause of death of an estimated 17.9 million people worldwide.

Thankfully, increased awareness of the importance of heart health has motivated more people to make important lifestyle choices to take better care of their tickers. If you are a yoga enthusiast like us, you will be happy to know that yoga improves heart health.

Heart Health

The heart is a hardworking organ that works nonstop. It is responsible for pumping blood to all body parts, carrying oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and other essential compounds humans need to function properly.

When you neglect the health of your heart, this can lead to serious problems like heart failure, a heart attack, stroke, and other complications. Many doctors encourage people to take very good care of their hearts by making sure their cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight are at healthy levels. Medical practitioners also recommend avoiding factors that can put heart health at risk.

Factors that contribute to heart health problems

Unhealthy diet
Being overweight or obese
Physical inactivity
Smoking
Harmful alcohol use
History of heart disease in the family
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
High levels of stress
Infections

How to not stress your heart

Medical experts say that you can lower your risk of heart problems by making certain lifestyle changes.

Go for healthier food choices. You can treat yourself sometimes and give in to cravings, but most of your diet should be unprocessed food, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, and whole grains.
Have regular physical activity. The heart is a muscle, and exercise strengthens it (familydoctor.org). Aim to be more active by going for walks, taking the stairs, dancing, biking – any physical activity that you can enjoy regularly doing. One of the popular exercise options is yoga for heart health, which we will discuss further below.
Get regular checkups. Your doctor can help check your weight and BMI (body mass index) and your cholesterol and blood pressure to make sure they are still at healthy levels. You also get checked for gum disease since it is somehow associated with heart disease.
Stop smoking, avoid inhaling second-hand smoke, and prevent the harmful use of alcohol.
Manage stress better. High levels of stress can lead to problems for your overall health. But, since you can’t avoid stress as it is a part of life, the next best thing is to learn how to manage it better, so you don’t become overwhelmed. Many people are trying yoga for stress relief and find that it significantly improves their overall health.

Yoga for Heart Health

Aside from being a practice that promotes balance and flexibility, yoga also involves meditation, relaxation, and breathing exercises. These help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, lessen inflammation, and improve sleep – essential factors to improve heart health.

It is also a form of exercise that can aid in managing weight, stress, and smoking cessation. Furthermore, it improves muscle strength, mind-body awareness, and exercise capacity.

An article from Harvard Health Publishing also reported that yoga is easy to modify and is less strenuous than many other types of exercise. This makes it a great option for those recovering from heart surgery or a heart attack undergoing cardiac rehabilitation.

Is it effective?

Johns Hopkins director of the Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Hugh Calkins, M.D., said that “Many studies show that yoga benefits many aspects of cardiovascular health. There’s been a major shift in the last five years or so in the number of cardiologists and other professionals recognizing that these benefits are real.”

The American Heart Association website also published an article discussing research indicating that yoga significantly impacted cardiometabolic factors. The results showed an improvement in the participants’ cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart rate.

While there is a need for more studies and findings to show how yoga improves heart health, more medical practitioners recognize that it is a helpful additional activity to other moderate-intensity exercises.

Precautions

As with any other health issue, it is wise to consult your doctor to see if yoga will benefit you rather than increase your risks. You want to make sure you don’t worsen any cardiovascular problems, especially if you just had a heart attack or surgery.

What should yoga teachers consider when teaching students with heart problems?

Professional yoga teachers for heart health will always consider their students’ safety. They understand that certain poses and forms of yoga can be harmful to someone with heart problems and will usually recommend gentler practices, such as restorative yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises. Additionally, they will encourage students to start slow and carefully plan exercise sequences that are safe for those with heart conditions.

Your Heart Health Is a Priority

You are never too young or old to start taking better care of your heart health. If you are interested in knowing more about the health benefits of yoga and have been looking for a yoga studio near me, come and visit our Dawata Wellness studio.

The post How Does Yoga Improve Heart Health appeared first on Dawata.

We’re featured at SunStar Cebu!

wpx_dawata — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 06:33:15 +0000

Yoga for Stress Relief: 8 Common Poses to Practice

The author and interfaith minister Gudjon Bergmann had a point when he said, “There is no such thing as a stress-free life.”

Everyone experiences stress. However, everybody handles stressful situations differently. Ultimately, the goal is to manage stress more healthily and not let it overwhelm you.

Today, many people are turning to yoga poses for stress relief. What is it about this practice that helps you achieve relaxation, calmness, and peace of mind?

To have a deeper understanding of yoga for stress relief, let us first understand what stress is.

What is stress?

Stress is a normal human reaction that happens when you encounter challenges or changes, otherwise known as stressors.

Some of the most common stressors include:

Losing a job
Suffering the loss of a loved one
Going through a divorce, separation, or other relationship problems
Experiencing financial problems
Being sick or dealing with an illness
Undergoing prejudice, discrimination, or bullying

Take note that even positive changes can cause stress. For instance, accepting a promotion, moving to a bigger house, or going on a vacation.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the human body is designed to experience stress and react to it with a fight or flight response. It can even have a positive effect as it keeps you alert and ready to avoid danger, and it helps you adjust to new situations. For example, stress can motivate you to finish a marathon or get through your nerves when you have to do a presentation in front of a big crowd.

However, when you encounter too much stress or constantly deal with stressors over a long period, your body can become overwhelmed. Long-term stress can even negatively affect your physical, emotional, and mental health.

When you are struggling with stress, it can be helpful to try and find ways to feel less overwhelmed, tense, and anxious.

You may want to find an activity that can help you relax, build resilience, and give you peace of mind. If that is the case, you can try yoga poses for stress relief.

Yoga for Stress Relief

In our previous post about yoga for mental health, one of the main points we discussed was how effective yoga is for relieving stress. This is supported by claims that the practice of yoga produces a physiological state opposite to how humans would normally respond to stressful situations, which is the flight-or-fight response. Because of this, you can achieve a sense of balance between the mind and body.

Studies indicate that yoga is recognized as a holistic stress management technique and there is growing evidence of its therapeutic effects. It is believed that yoga is highly effective in lessening stress because it encourages you to slow your breath, relax, and focus on the present.

Before you jump into practicing yoga for stress relief, it is best to find a yoga instructor who can teach you the foundations and guide you through the exercises and poses.

Also, if you are currently undergoing counseling or therapy, it’s best to consult with your specialist on incorporating yoga into your program. Finally, avoid pushing yourself too hard and too far when doing yoga poses for stress relief, which can lead to injuries and other issues.

Yoga for Stress Relief Poses

Here are eight common yoga poses for stress relief that you can do at home, work, or anywhere and anytime you need to overcome current stressors.

1. Viparita Karani (Legs up the Wall)

Sit on the floor facing the wall (try to get as close as you can to the wall).
Gently lie on your side, then roll onto your back and place your legs up against the wall.
Scoot your hips until your tailbone touches the wall or is a few inches from the wall (whichever is more comfortable).
Place your arms alongside your body in a relaxed position with palms facing upward.
Relax your shoulders and legs and feel your spine lengthening.
Release all effort and settle into the pose as you breathe and relax.
Hold the pose. It’s best to start with five minutes and gradually increase the time to grow in your yoga practice.

2. Balasana (Child’s Pose)

Kneel down and slowly sit on your heels.
As you exhale, bend forward until your chest touches your thighs and your forehead rests on the ground.
Extend your arms to the front with palms facing down.
Soften and relax your neck, arms, shoulders, and lower back.
Breathe softly and keep your eyes closed as you hold this pose for at least one minute.

3. Marjaryasana-Bitilasana (Cat-Cow Pose)

Get on all fours. Make sure your wrists are directly under your shoulders and that your knees are directly under your hips.
As you inhale, get into the Cow Pose by dropping your belly towards the mat as you lift your chin and turn your gaze towards the ceiling.
When you exhale, get into Cat Pose by drawing your belly towards your spine and chin towards your chest, arching your back like a cat.
Repeat the Cow and Cat Pose flow for at least one minute.

4.Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

Sit on the ground with your legs stretched forward.
Slowly lean forward while keeping your spine lengthened as you bend your torso.
Try to reach your toes with your hands. Reach as far as you can, but do not force your body. It’s perfectly okay to rest your hands on your shins or knees until you can reach farther with more practice and time.
Take deep breaths while holding this pose for about 30 seconds to one minute.

5. Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose)

Lie on your back, then bend your knees while keeping your feet flat on the floor.
Slowly open your legs by dropping your knees out wide while letting the soles of your feet touch together. Your legs should be forming a diamond shape.
Move your feet further or closer toward your body, depending on how comfortable you feel.
Relax your arms alongside your body, or you can place one hand over your heart and the other over your stomach.
Allow your body to relax as you deep breathly.
Stay in this position for at least one minute.

6.Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)

Begin by standing straight, then slightly bend your knees as you fold your torso over your legs. Remember to hinge from your hips and not your lower back.
Try to lay your hands next to your feet on the ground, or grab each elbow with the opposite hand.
Inhale and lengthen your spine by extending your chest.
Exhale and gently straighten your legs while being careful not to hyperextend.
Hold this position for about 3 breaths.

7. Sukhasana (Easy Pose)

Sit down with your spine straight and legs extended forward.
Bend your knees, then cross your legs by placing each foot beneath the opposite knee.
Put your hands on your knees.
Make sure to sit with your weight balanced and align your head, neck, shoulders, and spine.
Softly gaze ahead as you lengthen your spine and soften your neck.
Focus on your breathing for about a minute, then switch the cross of your legs.

8.Savasana (Corpse Pose)

Get comfortable as you lie on your back. You can use blankets or pillows if needed.
Allow your arms and legs to drop open, keeping your arms at a 45-degree angle and spreading your feet slightly wider than your hips.
Try to align your head, neck, shoulders, and spine.
Close your eyes and breath deeply.
Let your whole body relax fully. Try to listen to your body from head to toe and wiggle or soften any tight or tense parts.
Remain in this pose for 5 to 15 minutes.

IMPORTANT

Before trying out these yoga poses for stress relief, make sure you are healthy enough. You don’t want to put yourself at risk, especially if you have medical issues.

Consult with your doctor and begin your yoga practice with a trained instructor to minimize any risks. Good yoga instructors can guide you on properly doing the poses, suggest necessary modifications to the asanas, and make sure you don’t exceed your limits.

Remember, your goal is to practice yoga for stress relief. Experiencing pain or getting injured from yoga is a stressor you want to avoid, so sign up for one of our classes or book a private session with our instructors.

Enjoy wellness here at Dawata Wellness! Connect with us, and let’s promote healthy living!

The post We’re featured at SunStar Cebu! appeared first on Dawata.

Yoga for Stress Relief: 8 Common Poses to Practice

wpx_dawata — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 08:28:11 +0000

Yoga for Stress Relief: 8 Common Poses to Practice

The author and interfaith minister Gudjon Bergmann had a point when he said, “There is no such thing as a stress-free life.”

Everyone experiences stress. However, everybody handles stressful situations differently. Ultimately, the goal is to manage stress more healthily and not let it overwhelm you.

Today, many people are turning to yoga poses for stress relief. What is it about this practice that helps you achieve relaxation, calmness, and peace of mind?

To have a deeper understanding of yoga for stress relief, let us first understand what stress is.

What is stress?

Stress is a normal human reaction that happens when you encounter challenges or changes, otherwise known as stressors.

Some of the most common stressors include:

Losing a job
Suffering the loss of a loved one
Going through a divorce, separation, or other relationship problems
Experiencing financial problems
Being sick or dealing with an illness
Undergoing prejudice, discrimination, or bullying

Take note that even positive changes can cause stress. For instance, accepting a promotion, moving to a bigger house, or going on a vacation.

When you are struggling with stress, it can be helpful to try and find ways to feel less overwhelmed, tense, and anxious.

You may want to find an activity that can help you relax, build resilience, and give you peace of mind. If that is the case, you can try yoga poses for stress relief.

Yoga for Stress Relief

Before you jump into practicing yoga for stress relief, it is best to find a yoga instructor who can teach you the foundations and guide you through the exercises and poses.

Yoga for Stress Relief Poses

Here are eight common yoga poses for stress relief that you can do at home, work, or anywhere and anytime you need to overcome current stressors.

1. Viparita Karani (Legs up the Wall)

Sit on the floor facing the wall (try to get as close as you can to the wall).
Gently lie on your side, then roll onto your back and place your legs up against the wall.
Scoot your hips until your tailbone touches the wall or is a few inches from the wall (whichever is more comfortable).
Place your arms alongside your body in a relaxed position with palms facing upward.
Relax your shoulders and legs and feel your spine lengthening.
Release all effort and settle into the pose as you breathe and relax.
Hold the pose. It’s best to start with five minutes and gradually increase the time to grow in your yoga practice.

2. Balasana (Child’s Pose)

Kneel down and slowly sit on your heels.
As you exhale, bend forward until your chest touches your thighs and your forehead rests on the ground.
Extend your arms to the front with palms facing down.
Soften and relax your neck, arms, shoulders, and lower back.
Breathe softly and keep your eyes closed as you hold this pose for at least one minute.

3. Marjaryasana-Bitilasana (Cat-Cow Pose)

Get on all fours. Make sure your wrists are directly under your shoulders and that your knees are directly under your hips.
As you inhale, get into the Cow Pose by dropping your belly towards the mat as you lift your chin and turn your gaze towards the ceiling.
When you exhale, get into Cat Pose by drawing your belly towards your spine and chin towards your chest, arching your back like a cat.
Repeat the Cow and Cat Pose flow for at least one minute.

4.Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

Sit on the ground with your legs stretched forward.
Slowly lean forward while keeping your spine lengthened as you bend your torso.
Try to reach your toes with your hands. Reach as far as you can, but do not force your body. It’s perfectly okay to rest your hands on your shins or knees until you can reach farther with more practice and time.
Take deep breaths while holding this pose for about 30 seconds to one minute.

5. Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose)

Lie on your back, then bend your knees while keeping your feet flat on the floor.
Slowly open your legs by dropping your knees out wide while letting the soles of your feet touch together. Your legs should be forming a diamond shape.
Move your feet further or closer toward your body, depending on how comfortable you feel.
Relax your arms alongside your body, or you can place one hand over your heart and the other over your stomach.
Allow your body to relax as you deep breathly.
Stay in this position for at least one minute.

6.Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)

Begin by standing straight, then slightly bend your knees as you fold your torso over your legs. Remember to hinge from your hips and not your lower back.
Try to lay your hands next to your feet on the ground, or grab each elbow with the opposite hand.
Inhale and lengthen your spine by extending your chest.
Exhale and gently straighten your legs while being careful not to hyperextend.
Hold this position for about 3 breaths.

7. Sukhasana (Easy Pose)

Sit down with your spine straight and legs extended forward.
Bend your knees, then cross your legs by placing each foot beneath the opposite knee.
Put your hands on your knees.
Make sure to sit with your weight balanced and align your head, neck, shoulders, and spine.
Softly gaze ahead as you lengthen your spine and soften your neck.
Focus on your breathing for about a minute, then switch the cross of your legs.

8.Savasana (Corpse Pose)

Get comfortable as you lie on your back. You can use blankets or pillows if needed.
Allow your arms and legs to drop open, keeping your arms at a 45-degree angle and spreading your feet slightly wider than your hips.
Try to align your head, neck, shoulders, and spine.
Close your eyes and breath deeply.
Let your whole body relax fully. Try to listen to your body from head to toe and wiggle or soften any tight or tense parts.
Remain in this pose for 5 to 15 minutes.

IMPORTANT

Before trying out these yoga poses for stress relief, make sure you are healthy enough. You don’t want to put yourself at risk, especially if you have medical issues.

Enjoy wellness here at Dawata Wellness! Connect with us, and let’s promote healthy living!

The post Yoga for Stress Relief: 8 Common Poses to Practice appeared first on Dawata.

How Yoga Helps Mental Health and Why More Experts Recommend It for Therapy

wpx_dawata — Sat, 29 Jan 2022 03:08:15 +0000

How Yoga Helps Mental Health and Why More Experts Recommend It for Therapy

With all the problems that we face today, finding more people discussing mental health, whether on social media or during a casual conversation with friends at your favorite coffee shop, isn’t surprising. Even famous people are talking more about their mental health issues.

Indeed, there is an increased awareness of mental wellbeing, and as a result, more people are seeking ways to manage their mental health challenges better or improve how they take care of their mental state. With this in mind, more individuals are turning to yoga.

Mental Health Benefits of Yoga

Aside from its many physical benefits, an increasing number of studies show that yoga can help those with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

It relieves stress

Step into our Dawata Wellness yoga studio, and you will notice how the calming and positive atmosphere can help you feel more relaxed and peaceful.

Aside from the soothing sounds and environment, you can also slow down the activity in your limbic system as you meditate during your yoga practice. The limbic system is the part of the brain that is responsible for emotional and behavioral responses. As you reduce activity in this area, you can respond more positively to stressful situations.

It reduces anxiety

More studies indicate that yoga can lower anxiety levels because it teaches mindful breathing techniques and encourages people to focus. More psychotherapists recommend yoga as a supplemental form of therapy for anxiety disorders.

It helps manage depression

Research suggests that yoga can reduce your stress hormone (otherwise known as cortisol) and strengthen your mind and body connection. In addition, practicing yoga teaches you to clear your mind and focus on the present. These are why yoga is becoming a more popular option for complementary therapy for those diagnosed with depression.

Several famous people, including NBA player Kevin Love, have credited yoga to manage their depression.

It improves sleep

According to the Sleep Foundation, 55% of yoga practitioners report improved sleep. This can be credited to how yoga can calm the mind, relax the nervous system, and rejuvenate and tire the body – all essential to having a quality sleep.

It positively affects your mood

The physical exercise you do during your yoga practice (or any sort of physical workout for that matter) can naturally produce more serotonin (the happy hormone) as well as endorphins (feel-good chemicals). You are making more serotonin and endorphins, which lowers your anxiety and stress levels and stabilizes your mood. Many yoga people report feeling more alert and enthusiastic after doing their asanas and meditation.

It helps those with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Today, there is more research on how yoga is an effective complementary form of therapy for those with PTSD. An article in Psychology Today reports on a study that shows how yoga and other mind-body practices can help “reduce the severity of core PTSD symptoms including intrusive memories, avoidance, and emotional arousal.” Another study on adult women diagnosed with PTSD reports how 52 percent of the women who underwent yoga treatment for ten weeks had significantly reduced PTSD symptoms.

Experts believe that individuals who experience trauma suffer from emotional, cognitive, and physiological effects. And because yoga is a mind-body practice, it can be a helpful supplemental therapy as PTSD patients learn to regulate how their mind and body respond as they undergo counseling and psychotherapy.

It benefits your social life

Mental health isn’t just about your emotional and psychological wellbeing. It also includes your social life – how you relate to others, how you adapt to society, and how you develop a sense of concern and care for others. A healthy social life can be vital in maintaining your mental and overall wellbeing.

A yoga class can be a good place to interact with other people. Developing bonds and gaining a sense of belonging can be easier as you grow together in your practice, breathing and moving in unison. Interacting with health-minded individuals can also motivate you to pursue positive changes in your life.

As all types of people do yoga, you can meet a variety of individuals from different backgrounds. This allows you to widen your social circle and exposure to different personalities, races, and ages. In turn, this can make you more adaptable and increase your social skills.

Taking Better Care of Yourself with Yoga Therapy

Some psychotherapy experts believe that more research on how yoga affects mental health is needed to show more scientific proof. On the other hand, many mental health professionals already recognize the positive role yoga therapy plays today and are open to discussing how their patients can incorporate yoga into their therapy plan.

If you are searching for a new or additional way to better care for your mental health, yoga might be just what you need.

The post How Yoga Helps Mental Health and Why More Experts Recommend It for Therapy appeared first on Dawata.

5 Simple Reasons Why You Should Do Yoga Today

wpx_dawata — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 07:59:01 +0000

5 Simple Reasons Why You Should Do Yoga Today

“Yoga is the ultimate practice.” – Beachbody Yoga Expert Elise Joan

Did you know that an estimated 300 million people in the world today practice yoga? From its origins in India thousands of years ago, yoga has spread across the continents and has grown in popularity.

However, even if it is becoming increasingly popular, many people are still resistant to yoga. One common reason some still hesitate to join the practice is the misconception that yoga is only for super flexible individuals who want to push their bodies hard to achieve a good workout.

While it certainly is possible to become more limber and fit when you keep on doing yoga, this centuries-old practice is much more than just that.

What is yoga?

According to India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, yoga is “an art and science of healthy living” and is a spiritual discipline focusing on bringing harmony between the mind and body. ‘Yoga’ is derived from its Sanskrit form ‘Yuj,’ which means ‘to unite.’

There are many forms of yoga practices today. These are based on the basic foundation that yoga encourages people to achieve a peaceful, content, harmonious, and still state of mind through meditation, breath control, physical postures/poses (asanas), and other aspects.

Why yoga?

Anybody can do it

You might be intimidated by young, fit yogis’ trending social media yoga posts. However, if you dig deeper and look around more, you will find that yoga is very welcoming and inclusive—people of varying ages, body types and sizes, and races practice yoga.

And even if you are a complete beginner, it doesn’t mean you can’t join sessions with more advanced participants. There are plenty of yoga classes that cater to all levels where the instructors will simply help you modify poses to make them fit your ability, body, and needs.

2. You can do yoga anytime, anywhere, on any budget.

You don’t have to buy fancy equipment to do yoga, and you don’t need to be in a studio every time you want to do your asanas.

You can do yoga anywhere as long as you have enough space to move your body into the different poses comfortably and as long as you can focus when doing your practice. Certain asanas involve yoga props such as blocks or straps, but many studios readily provide these for their students. You can also modify by using items you already have at home.

You can buy expensive brands if you wish, but you can also wear what you already have in your closet when it comes to yoga clothing. Some do yoga in their pajamas, and others even keep clothes optional (this could be another reason why yoga is so popular)! Just make sure you put on something comfortable enough that won’t hinder your movements or cause unwanted mishaps when doing your poses.

As for fitting yoga into your schedule, sometimes all it takes is as little as five minutes to do a session any time of the day, so you can always insert your practice even during the busiest days.

3. There is a yoga practice for every person with different needs/goals.

You can find yoga practices that strengthen your core or increase stamina. If you prefer a gentler pace, you can try restorative yoga. There is even pre-natal yoga! You’ll see that there is something for everyone in our Dawata Wellness studio.

Another great thing about yoga is that you can do it independently, with a private instructor, with a select group, or in a class.

4. It gives you more than just physical benefits.

An article on the Harvard Health Publishing website states that several studies have found that yoga can improve flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular fitness. It contributes to better sleep, focus, and posture. Aside from improving physical health, findings also show that yoga helps to reduce pain, anxiety, and stress.

And because yoga is more than just doing a physical workout as it involves meditation, breathing exercises, and practicing certain principles and philosophies, you tend to carry the benefits of your practice into the other aspects of your life.

5. Yoga encourages you to shift to a more positive mindset.

Thanks to its principles and meditation practice, yoga can teach you to be more present, appreciate life better, and be more grateful. Many individuals who practice yoga say it boosts their mood and gets them into the right frame of mind.

Receive the Benefits of Yoga

Don’t let your preconceived notions or a bad experience in one class take away your opportunity to receive all the benefits yoga has to offer. Give yoga and yourself a chance to get to know each other better, and you just might be surprised with the results.

Check out the best yoga studio near you now!

The post 5 Simple Reasons Why You Should Do Yoga Today appeared first on Dawata.