We all have stress, and as far as I know, no one enjoys being stressed out.
What if I were to tell you that there is something you can do that will relieve your stress?
Well, there is. It’s called yoga.
The origins of yoga date back over 5,000 years ago to northern India. It is a powerful physical and mental practice that aims to connect both mind and body in the most authentic and rejuvenating way.
The word yoga is derived from the root yuj, which means, “to unite or join together,” and is often described as, literally, “the cessation of agitation of consciousness.”
This is what makes yoga so special and sets it apart from virtually all other forms of exercise: The entire goal is stress relief. To practice yoga is to silence the mind, see reality for what it is and then connect, with ourselves and with the world around us.
But even if you aren’t into the philosophical, metaphysical, or transcendent luminary globes that yoga where yoga will take you, it will also help you on a much more practical level.
Combining both the physical aspects of exercise with the practice of mindfulness and meditation has been proven to lead to incredible, and incredibly real, transformations. Regular practice leads to improvements in strength, flexibility, balance and coordination, even confidence.
Many studies have examined the therapeutic effects of yoga and have found significant increases in quality of life.
It is a practice that is perfectly suited to the senior population and anyone who wants to enjoy life to the fullest.
Why Is Yoga So Good for You?
The foundation of yoga’s beneficial effects is the ability to regulate the autonomic nervous system. This system operates unconsciously and regulates things like heart rate, respiration, and the fight or flight response.
Yoga suppresses cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, which, we all know, if there were a pill for that, it would be sold out.
10 Benefits of Yoga
- Improved mindfulness and stress reduction
- Reduced anxiety & depression
- Improved sleep
- Improved pain syndromes – low back, headache, arthritis
- Heart Disease – lower cholesterol, less chest pain
- Improved blood pressure
- Autoimmune conditions
- Improved body composition
- Improved balance and flexibility
- Improved muscle strength
Yoga unites us in both mind and body. It fosters balance through this connection. When the mind becomes quiet and the body follows we can let go of all that we hold and be free. This translates into a life filled with peace and joy, making yoga a powerful practice for the seniors of today.
