4 Benefits of Yoga You Probably Didn’t Know

Yoga is an ascetic discipline that includes breathing control, meditation and the adaptation of specific body postures. Yoga originated in India more than 5,000 years ago and is practiced for health benefits and relaxation all over the world today. There are many different types of yoga that anyone can try, regardless of yoga skillset or experience. This form of exercise is often known to reduce stress, relieve anxiety, and increase one’s strength. Some benefits to yoga that you may not know about are:

1. Improving Blood Pressure and Circulation – Practicing yoga over time can improve blood flow by transporting oxygen throughout your body to your organs and your brain. A key part of yoga is deep breathing, which can help decrease your blood pressure. 
2. Promotes Sleep Quality – According to the Sleep Foundation, yoga is said to help with the quality and efficiency of how one sleeps. When practiced daily, especially by someone who has sleeping problems, it can help one fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. You can also do specific breathing techniques and poses, such as the Butterfly pose, right before bed. Making a habit of practicing these breathing techniques can help with sleep quality.
3. Helps Improve the Respiratory System – Yoga, in the form of controlled breathing exercises, can help to improve the respiratory system. There are also different yoga positions that promote better respiratory health and allow you to expand your lungs further while stretching. As listed by achheaththenews.com, poses such as the Bridge pose and even the Cobra pose are known to help strengthen the respiratory system. 
4. Lymphatic System Circulation – The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help get rid of toxins and unwanted materials within our bodies. The main way to get the lymphatic system flowing is through movement. According toYogapractice.com, yoga involves muscular contractions and gravity, which are two things that greatly impact the flow of the lymphatic system. Yoga poses such as the supported shoulder stand, and even the seated spinal twist can help improve circulation of the lymphatic system.

There are many more great benefits to practicing yoga, whether you are by yourself, with friends or working out here at the SRC. Be sure to look into the benefits of yoga to see how you can improve your mental health and overall physical health naturally.