Benefits of Yoga & Mindfulness
Benefits of Yoga & Mindfulness
Physical benefits
Mental benefits - for succinct benefits of mindfulness & links to scientific proof see this great article here.
- Encourages balance, flexibility, muscle strength, massages organs, improving respiration and energy.
- Encourages weight loss, good posture, improves circulatory health, helps digestion and improves the efficiency of the body’s organs.
- Reduces cortisol levels. Excessive cortisol has been linked to major depression, compromised immunity, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, insulin resistance and weight gain.
- Studies have shown yoga lowers blood sugar and LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol and boosts HDL (‘good’) cholesterol.
- The acts of twisting and stretching releases physical and mental tension which, if left untreated, can lead to chronic tension, muscle fatigue and stress.
- Yoga focusses our attention on the body, encouraging us to listen to our bodies and be aware of our physical limits.
Mental benefits - for succinct benefits of mindfulness & links to scientific proof see this great article here.
- Encourages calmness, focus and concentration.
- Reduces stress, encouraging the rewiring of the brain to increase emotional stability and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed/anxious.
- Improves creativity, self-esteem, compassion and empathy.
- Make us more present, relaxed and give us a sense of perspective on our problems.
- Provides a physical and mental release of tension, anger and frustration.
- Can help resolve trauma, whether violent, sexual or grief related (The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van Der Kolk)
- Encourages children to think about what they are grateful for, what makes them happy and question what is most important in life.
- Teaches children that everyone has the resources within themselves that they can access at any time to heal themselves, to be calm and to be kind.
- That life does not have to be a competition with others. All bodies are different and we all have different abilities and that is ok. To not compare ourselves to others and not to judge ourselves, encouraging a positive body image.
- Teaches the importance of listening and consulting one’s own body.
- That everything is connected, in our bodies, our mind to our body, our actions to others and our impact on the world, encouraging compassion and empathy.
- The importance of caring for oneself if one is to care for others.
- That applied effort and hard work will bring its own rewards.
- That being mindful can make us make the most of life, by being present and enjoying the moment.
- Patience and perseverance reaps rewards.
