Friday, July 11, 2014

The Benefits of Yoga by Sarah Haug, Psy.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist



I discovered yoga while studying for my licensure exam and little did I know then what an important addition to my life yoga would become!  For me, yoga seems to address the physical, mental and emotional demands of life in an integrative fashion that helps me to cope and be healthier overall.  I am certainly not the only person to experience better quality of life through yoga.   

Below are some of the benefits of regular yoga practice that have been revealed through scientific studies:
Physical Benefits
Improved overall strength and muscle tone
Improved balance
Improved joint health
Improved flexibility and range of motion
Increased immunity
Lowered blood pressure and heart health
Pain reduction and prevention (e.g. headaches, low back pain, arthritis pain)
Better sleep
Better control over food cravings and improved eating habits
Better breathing for increased oxygen to the body

Mental Benefits
Stress reduction
Mental calmness and greater control over anxiety
Improved mood
Improved focus
Body awareness and increased comfort in your own body
Reduced effects of traumatic experience

For more information click on the following link for a Mayo Clinic article about yoga:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/stress-management/in-depth/yoga/art-20044733?pg=1


No comments:

Post a Comment