5 Benefits of Yoga

Namaste. Let's talk Yoga. Yoga was one of the most common “prescriptions” when I worked in psychiatry. In fact, yoga can be offered as part of the therapeutic program at inpatient psychiatric hospitals. According to this article, “yoga is the most commonly used complementary health approach in the United States.” And do you want to know the best part? There are no side effects! There are many reasons we could all benefit from practicing yoga. Let’s look at five benefits of yoga. 

1. For your mental health

Yoga is wonderful for your mental health because it teaches you how to breathe and focus on the present moment. When I worked in psychiatry, my mentor told me this: people who focus too much on the past are depressed, and people who focus too much on the future are anxious. Because you can’t change either. Learning how to focus on your breathing and to be fully present in the now can be a powerful emotional regulation skill and coping mechanism. Yoga can reduce stress and boost your mood.

2. For your physical health

Yoga is a low impact exercise. I mean - there’s a corpse pose, for goodness sake! Yes, you’re lying down, but unlike a corpse, you’ll be breathing! It’s easy on the joints, and the poses can be modified based on your experience level and any physical limitations you might have. Improving balance and increasing flexibility can prevent falls and injuries. Yoga can also be a lot harder than it looks! You may tone or build muscle as well as lose weight. 

3. For the low cost

Yoga can be free (there’s an app for that!) or very low cost to get started. Check out this 15 minute yoga flow sun salutation series guide to get started right away! You need only your body and a mat. “Yoga pants” are very popular, whether or not you’re doing yoga (commissions earned)! But you need only wear something that allows free movement. Yoga blocks can be considered as an aid to performing poses while you’re working on your flexibility (commissions earned). 

4. For the convenience

Yoga can be done anywhere, and for whatever amount of time suits you: in your office, at a park, or on the beach. As a quick wake up routine or reset on your lunch break, between meetings or clients, or a long wind down session at the end of a busy day. 

5. For the community

Connect with others who embrace yoga. Join a class if your budget and schedule allow it. Many families practice yoga together with their children - this is a great way to bond, model and practice regulation skills and self care. There are also variations to the practice: goat yoga (my grandma would have loved that one), hot yoga, power yoga, restorative yoga, even trauma informed yoga - and a bunch of others that I would probably misspell and definitely mispronounce! The point is: there are plenty of options so you can find what best suits you. And you can progress from beginner to master and/or instructor if you wish! What a great way to perform self care and help others do the same. 

Do you practice yoga, or have you tried it? Let me know in the comments! 

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