You most probably already know that Yoga can help improve flexibility, build strength and enhance posture. It really is an amazing way to workout and look after your body. But the transformative power of this ancient practice extends far beyond physical fitness, and this is what we’ve been diving into within our Yoga Teacher Training Course.
There are many benefits of Yoga, including the transformative power to elevate your emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing. If you haven’t explored the deeper levels of Yoga, keep reading. You’ll soon understand that Yoga is not just an exercise but a life philosophy with the potential to impact every aspect of your life.
Emotional Benefits You Can Experience From Yoga
Stress Reduction
The mindful movements along with deep breathing allow your body to relax into the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest system), as opposed to the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight system). This is where your body knows it can let go of stress. This is where your body systems, like your digestive system, can rest easy and function at their best. When you are on the Yoga mat your one task is to simply be present with your Yoga Teacher, your movement, your breath. This action will reduce stress and elevate your wellbeing.
Good Mood Maker
Feeling blahhh, like you are in struggle town? Uninspired, unmotivated, flat? Yoga is the natural mood enhancer you’re looking for. The practice stimulates the release of endorphins, your body’s natural happy hormones and neurotransmitters. You are 5 minutes away from a better mood… maybe it’s time to press play on one of our online Yoga Classes?
Emotional Balance
The practice of Yoga offers you a safe space to really feel into your emotions, without the self-judgement. There have been many Yoga classes where I’ve (Emma) burst into tears (you can read more about that over here). By focusing on your breath and moving purposefully, you move through your emotional stress, release emotions and then get to a place where you can think more clearly. Don’t worry, you won’t cry every class but if you need to, Yoga can help you fully express what needs to be expressed. Yoga also teaches you to be still and observe your feelings and emotions instead of reacting right away.
Mental Benefits of Yoga
Clarity, Focus, and More
Improved Concentration
Yoga is fitness for your mind. The focus required to hold a pose, to follow a breathing technique or to combine both improves your concentration. This enhanced focus on the mat ripples out to other areas of life that require your full attention.
Mindfulness and Mental Clarity
Yoga is a mindfulness practice, it’s a movement that requires you to be in the present moment. This practice clears your mind and gives you mental clarity that helps in decision-making, problem-solving. We’re living in a time where it’s easier than ever to be distracted and not live in the present, this means it’s more important than ever to actively strengthen your ability to be in the present moment (where life is actually happening!).
Cognitive Functioning
Believe it or not, Yoga can make you smarter! By improving blood flow to the brain and reducing stress hormones, it creates an environment where your cognitive skills can thrive. This can flow on to positively impact your memory and analytical thinking. More very interesting facts on this topic are over here!
Spiritual Benefits
A Deeper Connection with the Inner Self
Unity and Compassion
One of the most beautiful aspects of Yoga is that it encourages a sense of unity, not just with ourselves but with the world around us. This feeling often transcends the Yoga studio, promoting compassion and mutual respect in all other aspects of life.
Spiritual Insight and Connection
Yoga invites you to slow down and reflect. Poses like seated forward folds are the perfect opportunity to introspect, to go inwards. For some, this leads to a closer connection to a higher power, something beyond yourself, while others might find a sense of peace and gratitude. What we know for sure… Yoga makes you feel good!
Balance and Equilibrium
As you get deeper into the practice, you’ll encounter terms like Chakras and Nadi Shodhana. When you work with these energy centres the goal is to welcome in a balanced state. On the inside and the outside.
Yoga really is More than just Exercise
It really is so much more!
Yes, Yoga works your body and can improve your physical condition but the real magic is how it can impact your emotional, mental and spiritual health.
It’s more than a practice, for many, it’s a way of life. It welcomes a harmonious balance between the body, mind and spirit.
Next time you roll out your Yoga mat, remember: you’re not just working on a better body, the impact will ripple out and touch every corner and crevice of life.
If you have any questions, get in touch!
Always merrymaking,
Emma + Carla
Ps. if you are intrigued and want to learn more, download our free guide to the Chakras eBook over here.
