Yoga improves strength, balance and flexibility.

If you’re practising Yoga regularly you’re probably more relaxed than someone who’s not.  The physical and mental health benefits of Yoga are available for people of all ages.  Yoga can also support a variety of healing processes and allow you to feel more centred and less distressed.

A better body image

Yoga develops inner awareness.  It focuses your attention on your body’s abilities at the present moment.  It helps develop self-compassion and strength of mind and body, promoting positive body image and self esteem.

Stress relief

Practising Yoga asanas is excellent at reducing stress.  In addition, meditation, breath work and even chanting Om have all been shown to significantly lessen tension and reduce stress.  Practised regularly and consistently, Yoga can reduce the effects of prolonged stress.

Less anxiety

Ask anyone who’s practised Yoga and they will tell you that after class they always feel calmer and that their mood is lifted.  As well as the physical practice, there is also something to be said for the simple act of going out and joining a group on a regular basis.  Getting to know your body better and boosting your energy levels are also contributing factors to reducing anxiety.

Mind-body connection

Yoga requires you to focus all your energy on each movement or pose.  This can really help you to feel more alive, centred and content.  Feeling the mind and body working together in this way can balance moods and energy levels.  A more meaningful, focused, balanced and peaceful way of life often comes through Yoga.

Practising acceptance

Life experiences are not always positive.  Difficult things can happen and sometimes you feel nothing but pain – Yoga teaches you that everything changes.  Knowing this and understanding it on a deeper level makes it easier to accept life’s challenges and to stay present and positive even through the hard times.

Soothe the nervous system

Focusing the mind on the breath, improving blood circulation and easing muscle tension all combine to soothe the nervous system.  Along with the above benefits of reducing stress and anxiety, by soothing the nervous system you can reduce fatigue, have better concentration and overall increased feelings of calm and wellbeing.  No matter what your energy levels are, Yoga will help you to find balance.

Personally I feel I could write a book about the different ways Yoga has benefitted me physically and mentally!!!   It has helped with sacroiliac pain and with my physical strength and mobility, but really to cut a long story short… depression and anxiety… Yoga has definitely assisted me to appreciate the littlest things to create more joy and clarity of mind!  In essence, Yoga makes me come home to myself.