We’ve all heard that yoga is good for you: it’s a great exercise, it will improve your posture and help you achieve calm and balance in your life. But if you’re still not sold (or if you just want to uncover some of the lesser-known benefits of yoga), listen up:
Flex Your Determination
Willpower is a muscle – it is strengthened through use. Yoga strengthens your physical muscles, of course – that’s why you’ll notice that your posture improves through practice – but it also trains your mental muscles. Through yoga practice you learn to flex your will. You’ll be holding the pose longer than your mind tells you you should. You’ll roll out of bed and step onto the mat even as your brain tells you to go back to sleep.
Every time you choose Yoga, you have strengthened your resolve. And good will will permeate every aspect of your life. Your ability to make good decisions, keep commitments, and achieve goals all depends on how strong your will is. Through yoga you will become a happier, healthier and more reliable person.
Become aware of your Breathing
We do it (roughly) every second of every day. It has a huge impact on our mood. Yet we barely even notice it’s happening. Yoga will help you become aware of your breath and the subconscious cues it gives us. If you start paying attention to your breath, a sudden increase in the rate of your breath – into short, sharp bursts – will give you a signal that you are feeling stressed. This will give you the strength to take deep breaths and calm down.
Dealing with Difficult Situations
Yoga gives you the tools to deal with the drama that is happening in your life. Unfortunately, Yoga can’t help you avoid difficult situations in your life (nothing great yet), but it can provide balance and perspective for dealing with life’s small (or major) distractions when they arise. Regular yoga practice provides you with a solid foundation for dealing with difficult situations, and you may notice that life becomes a little easier when you have yoga to help.
Meet new friends
Yoga practice is a personal journey. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy other people’s company! Making friends through yoga is a great compliment to your practice. This will help keep you motivated and inspired to pursue your yoga practice. Grab some chai with some yogis after day one class. You may find that you have some solid friends outside of the studio!
Watch for the Signs
The universe is full of signs designed to help you through life. Thousands of people walk past one of the most famous violinists in the world without knowing it – imagine what else we must miss! Yoga teaches you to pay attention to how your body is feeling. How your breath fills your lungs. And how does your mind feel when it is free from distractions. This practice will help you pay attention to things that are happening around you and how they relate to you, helping you to become more present in your life.
Boost Creativity
There is no period more productive and creative than after a morning yoga session. This may be a time of reflection. It may be the endorphin rush from exercise. Who knows, it might be divine intervention. Whatever the reason, continuing to practice yoga is sure to boost your creativity.
Image Source: Wikimedia
