5 Benefits of Yoga That Are Supported By Science

Yoga is an ancient practice that brings together the mind and the body. It incorporates poses, breathing exercises and meditation designed to encourage relaxation and reduce stress.

Anyone who has a regular yoga practice will tell you that yoga provides many benefits for the mind and body however, not all of these benefits have been backed by science.

Let's look at 5 evidence-based benefits of yoga -

1. Yoga Can Decrease Stress

A number of studies have shown that yoga may help relieve stress and anxiety. It can also enhance your mood and overall well-being. In fact, multiple studies have shown that yoga decreases the secretion of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. When practiced alone or alongside practicing meditation, yoga is proven to be a powerful way to reduce stress levels.

2. Relieves anxiety

The goal to relieving anxiety is often why many people begin practicing yoga and there is fair amount of research showing that yoga can reduce anxiety. A study was carried out on women suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After embarking on a once-weekly yoga session over a 10 week period the women had fewer symptoms of PTSD. Amazingly, over 50% of the participants no longer met the criteria for PTSD at all.

How yoga reduces anxiety symptoms is not entirely clear but as it highlights the importance of being mindful and present, this itself could help alleviate anxiety.

3. Improves flexibility and balance

Improving flexibility is another popular reason why many people seek out a yoga class. Anyone who has been practicing yoga regularly doesn't need research or studies (although they are out there and the evidence is clear) to tell them that yoga improves the body's overall flexibility and balance. Practicing yoga for a short period each day could make a big difference to those looking to enhance their performance in their chosen sport by increasing their flexibility and balance. It was amazing to see the news headlines after England's victory over Sweden in the World Cup 2018 quarter-final game, stating that the England squad were relaxing with a yoga session after taking their country into the semi-finals. The England squad are not alone in their appreciation of yoga. All over the UK, top football clubs and other professional athletes are turning to sports yoga for increased strength, flexibility and longevity in their careers.

4. Could improve breathing

Most types of yoga incorporate breathing exercises like Pranayama, which focuses on controlling the breath through various exercises and techniques and several studies have shown that practicing yoga could help improve breathing. A study in 2009 found that practicing Pranayama yogic breathing improved symptoms and lung function in patients with mild-to-moderate asthma. Improving your breathing can help keep your lungs and heart healthy.

5. Can increase strength

Alongside improving flexibility, yoga is a perfect add-on to any exercise regime simply for it's strength-building benefits. Studies have shown that, when regularly practiced, yoga can lead to improvements in strength, endurance and weight loss including a decrease in body fat percentage also. When used together with a regular exercise routine, yoga can be an effective way to boost overall strength and endurance.

To Sum Up

Many studies have made it clear that making time for a regular yoga practice will have lots of benefits on the body and mind. 10 minutes a day, in the comfort of your own home or find a class to go along to and maybe meet some new people, is all it takes to reap the amazing benefits that yoga can give us. We all want to be able to carry our own shopping bags when we reach 80 years old and yoga is a great way to take steps to ensure we all do just that!