I recently completed my 200-hour Yoga & Meditation Teacher Training (yay!!) and I am beyond thrilled to share my newfound knowledge and passion for yoga with my community! This extensive training has allowed me to delve deeper into the practice and truly understand the numerous benefits it offers. I believe that there is no better way to celebrate this accomplishment than by sharing my knowledge and helping others to experience the wonderful effects of yoga for themselves.
We’ve all heard of yoga (and maybe dropped into a trendy hot yoga class!), but do we really understand its benefits? The practice of yoga dates back centuries and continues to be a popular form of exercise. It is widely accepted in the medical community as a safe and healthy way to stay fit while recharging your body and mind. Let's take a look at some of the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of practicing yoga regularly.
Physical Benefits of Yoga
Yoga can offer many physical benefits, such as improved flexibility and strength. The slow movements in yoga help increase blood flow throughout the body which helps improve joint mobility and reduce pain. Yoga is a fantastic exercise for core strength. Additionally, yoga has been known to improve posture, balance, coordination, breathing capacity and overall energy levels.
Mental Benefits of Yoga
When it comes to mental health benefits from practicing yoga, there are many positive outcomes that can be seen in those who practice regularly. Practicing meditation through yoga can help clear the mind of stress and anxiety while also promoting focus and concentration. Studies have shown that regular yoga practice can help reduce depression symptoms by improving moods due to the release of serotonin (a neurotransmitter associated with happiness). Yoga reduces stress hormones in your body while simultaneously increasing beneficial brain chemicals like endorphins and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) which improve mood. Additionally, studies have found that yoga can lead to an overall increase in self-esteem due to its calming effects on the mind.
Emotional Benefits of Yoga
The emotional benefits of practicing yoga are just as important as the physical ones! Studies have shown that regular practice can lead to improved confidence and self-esteem due to its calming effects on the mind. This leads to better decision-making abilities which can ultimately lead to more positive outcomes in day-to-day life. Furthermore, regular practice can increase your ability to manage stress, which helps you maintain a healthier lifestyle overall. I personally have found that yoga helps me release stuck emotions and process things I have been stewing over.
What if I'm Not Flexible?!
Keep in mind... you do NOT have to be super flexible to practice yoga. You may see a bunch of people who are naturally "bendy" at your local studio, or maybe follow some influencers who can twist up like a pretzel. Flexibility & strength are certainly benefits of regularly practicing yoga, but keep in mind that yoga is about so much more than that! One of my favorite quotes sums it up:
"Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” –The Bhagavad Gita
My Favorite Yoga Studio in Houston
I practice at Soul Tribes in Spring Branch. They have a very competitively-priced unlimited membership that includes yoga AND meditation (their sound bath meditation class is amaaaazzzinnggg!). It's a non-heated studio and it's a great place for beginners! Check out their intro offer for your first month of unlimited yoga + meditation.
We’ve all heard about how great yoga is for both our physical and mental health but few may realize how much this ancient practice can do for us emotionally as well! Practicing regularly has been proven time after time again to be beneficial when it comes not only our physical wellbeing but also our mental health by helping us manage stress better while increasing our concentration levels. So, if you’re looking for a way recharge both physically and mentally then why not give yoga a try? Your body will thank you for it.
Stay Connected with Upcoming Yoga & Wellness Events!
With my recent certification in Yoga & Meditation, I am excited to bring the transformative benefits to Houston through pop up yoga events and wellness retreats for women. Don't miss out on the opportunity to rejuvenate your mind and body. Subscribe to my email list at the bottom of this page for updates on my upcoming hot yoga events (2-3 emails/month max!). Join me in exploring the power of yoga and meditation!
