​5 ways yoga helps

If you’ve been practising yoga for a while, you’ve probably noticed that sometimes you leave a class,
in what I call, a yoga bubble... you know, somehow you feel a little more peaceful than when you arrived, less burdened and a lot happier! Yoga works its way into our system on many levels. In fact the word Yoga means 'Union', and this union between mind body and spirit manifests in many ways. Over time
it becomes apparent that becoming stronger, and more advanced and flexible in the poses are just
​by-products!

Here are just 5 ways in which yoga helps

​1. Yoga reduces stress. 
Yoga regulates the breath, relieves tension from the large muscle groups, flushing all parts of the body and brain with fresh blood and nutrients, lowering blood pressure, improving heart and brain function and increasing feelings of well being. 

2. Yoga brings an inner awareness.
Yoga helps bring awareness to your body at first, highlighting areas of openness and areas of stiffness or discomfort. This physical self awareness then leads on to a mental self awareness. The secret of awareness is to just watch everything that is going on in the body and mind as a witness without resistance. As you observe, you begin to become established in the ‘Self’. You then become at peace with yourself - more calm, settled and serene.

3. Yoga heals bodies and minds.
Yoga serves as a therapy, through healthy and unhealthy times , emotionally stable and unstable times. The poses, along with the breathing, help to heal physically and emotionally. Backbends are very often used therapeutically to help students who feel emotionally low - the action of opening the chest and heart is a powerful release and raise the spirit. 

4. Yoga helps relationships. 
We are all connected by energy ‘prana’, and a mindfulness practice like yoga helps you to learn to accept yourself. This ability to be generous and compassionate with yourself, translates to your interaction with people in your everyday life. Along with the yogic philosophy of avoiding harm to others (ahimsa), telling the truth (satya) and taking only what you need (aparigraha) this may improve many of your relationships.
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5. Yoga increases self esteem.
Many of us suffer from low self esteem, and if handled negatively it can manifest in depression, overeating, working too hard, drinking too much alcohol.. the list goes on. A regular practice with an intention of self examination and betterment, and not just as a substitute for a gym class - will enable you to access a different side of yourself. You’ll experience feelings of gratitude, empathy, forgiveness as well as a sense that you are part of something bigger.