Definition of Yoga: The literal meaning of the Sanskrit word Yoga is ‘Yoke’. Yoga can therefore be defined as a means of uniting the individual spirit with the universal spirit of God. According to Maharishi Patanjali, Yoga is the suppression of modifications of the mind.
Yoga is adaptable. So yoga can be presented in a secular context that has no elements of spirituality, or it can be presented as a spiritual discipline that supports the Christian faith or the Buddhist faith or the Hindu faith. At the same time, yoga does have a certain philosophy
Yoga postures, known as asanas, help ease the physical discomfort that is caused by anxiety. There are many ways in which exercise benefits panic disorder, including a reduction in pain and stress. Yoga not only helps in easing the physical body, but it can also help with anxious thoughts.
Yoga tones muscles all over your body, in balance with each other. Weight training exercises typically isolate and flex one muscle or muscle group at a time. Yoga increases muscle endurance because you typically hold any given pose for a period of time and repeat it several times during a yoga workout.
Other physical benefits of yoga include:
- increased flexibility.
- increased muscle strength and tone.
- improved respiration, energy and vitality.
- maintaining a balanced metabolism.
- weight reduction.
- cardio and circulatory health.
- improved athletic performance.
- protection from injury.
A yoga session can burn between 180 and 460 calories depending on several factors, including: the type of yoga you’re doing. the length and intensity of the class.
10 health benefits of daily yoga practice
- Improve flexibility, strength, and posture. Daily yoga practice will help stretch and tone your body muscles.
- Better all-round fitness.
- Weight loss.
- Increase your energy.
- Reduce stress.
- Breathe better.
- Be happier.
- Become more mindful.
In India, it is understood that the gesture itself signifies Namaste, and therefore, it is unnecessary to say the word while bowing. We bring the hands together at the heart chakra to increase the flow of Divine love. There are several ways to incorporate Namaste into your yoga practice.
People say that yoga is Hindu, but “Hinduism” is a problematic term, coined by outsiders for everything they saw going on in India. Yoga stems from the Vedas – the Indian holy texts that were composed from around 1900BC. Besides yoga, three major religions came from those texts – Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.
Yoga can be beneficial for people with osteoporosis. A small study in 2009 found that practicing yoga can actually increase bone density if done consistently and properly. Yoga also improves balance and flexibility, which can prevent falls and therefore prevent fractures.
To improve mood and relaxation. As exercise, yoga is a natural way to increase serotonin production. One study also suggests people with depression have lower serotonin levels. Yoga is also especially helpful because of its gentle, calming, and fluid nature. Each pose is flexible, so people of all levels can practice.
Yoga for Anxiety
- Big Toe Pose. Padangusthasana.
- Bound Angle Pose. Baddha Konasana.
- Bow Pose. Dhanurasana.
- Bridge Pose. Bridge Pose can be whatever you need—energizing, rejuvenating, or luxuriously restorative.
- Camel Pose. Ustrasana.
- Cat Pose. Marjaryasana.
- Channel Cleaning Breath. Nadi Shodhana Pranayama.
- Cow Pose (Bitilasana)
3 best books for beginner yogis
- A Year of Living Your Yoga’ by Judith
- ‘Practice You’ by Elena Brower.
- ‘The London Wellness Guide.
Photo by Dave Contreras on Unsplash
