International Yoga Day: 5 Benefits of Yoga

June 21 is International Yoga Day. Yoga has become a popular way for people to exercise and destress. Many people take classes at a yoga studio or the gym, attend yoga in the park, or even practice in their homes. Yoga has physical and mental benefits for people who practice yoga... but you don't need to have fancy equipment or a studio membership to get these benefits. Yoga can provide a brief respite from our busy lives. By taking even just 10-15 minutes to focus on our breath and move our bodies through a short flow, we can gain some of these benefits of yoga.

Reduce Stress & Anxiety

Studies have shown that yoga can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Yoga can enhance your mood and overall sense of well-being, while bringing more balance and peace to your life.

Improve Sleep

More than half of people who do yoga regularly said that it helped them get better sleep, according to a Harvard Health study.

Protect Spine & Muscles

By working to strengthen and stretch paraspinal muscles, you can better protect your spine and reduce lower back pain.

Improve Flexibility

Many people picture very flexible people when they think of yogis, but most people who practice yoga didn't start out that way. With a regular yoga practice, you can slowly begin to improve your flexibility and increase your range of motion.

Build Muscle & Strength

Tone and build muscle with a yoga practice. As you practice more regularly and learn new poses, arm balancing poses can be incredibly helpful for building even more muscle and upper body strength.

If you are considering a yoga practice, these tips can help you find peace and enjoyment on the mat.