6 Reasons To Practice Yoga

Yoga is a Sanskrit word that translates to, union.

It is an ancient practice that originated in India, and according to some, can be traced back between five and ten thousand years ago. The practice of yoga is meant to be the union of mind, body, and spirit. Yoga is a widely practiced all over the world. For individuals who suffer from substance abuse or addiction, yoga can be incredibly beneficial. Below are six reasons why you should incorporate a regular yoga practice into your life.

1. Exercise

Without a doubt, exercising has a myriad of positive effects for an individual. Yoga happens to be a form of exercise. The physical intensity of one’s exercise will depend in the type of yoga an individual chooses to practice. There are some types that are less sweat inducing and more emotionally and spiritually enlightening. There are also some types of yoga that are incredibly physically demanding and will elicit a great perspiration. Then there are other types of yoga that fall in the middle of the spectrum with a more equal amount of physical demand paired with an equal level of emotional focus. Yoga, in general, helps to physically engage an individual while also encouraging a thoughtful connection to his or her emotions.

2. Increase Circulation

A huge component of yoga is the notion of controlled breath. Practicing yoga while also staying focused on one’s breath is basically like a form of moving meditation. There have been studies that indicate that yoga improves one’s respiratory system and one’s blood pressure. A fantastic benefit to improving one’s circulation is that it can help with lowering one’s risk of heart disease.

3. Improve Balance

The yoga poses that are taught in yoga are what primarily make up the uniqueness of this type of exercise. Many yoga poses are balancing poses. These require an individual to practice his or her balancing abilities, and with practice comes improvement. Refining your ability to physically balance can transfer to other areas of your life. Experiencing your own growth in terms of your physical balancing ability, can be incredibly motivating and encourage you to gain a better balance in other areas of your life.

4. Inner Peace

As previously stated, yoga can feel almost meditative, especially when practiced in the traditional sense. This includes the focusing on one’s breath during your yoga practice by using your breathing as a pace setter for your shifting into other poses and to remain aligned and present within your own body. Having the ability to redirect your thoughts during your yoga practice, and continuously bringing your mind back to your breath will foster great focus and inner calmness.

5. Community

Though yoga is a very personal experience, the energy in a yoga class can be inspiring and motivating. You are experiencing personal growth while being in the presence of other individuals. Attending a yoga class can be an excellent way to create a network of other healthy individuals. Going to a yoga class is a great way to spend time with your friends, while also expanding your community.

6. Focus on the Present

While practicing yoga, a person must hold his or her body in certain poses that may seem obscure and may be physically challenging. This forces an individual to remain in the present. The continued practice of being in the present can translate to other areas of one’s life.

The fact that yoga has been around for so long shows its efficacy. There are an abundant of benefits that come from an individual regularly practicing yoga. The above list are six excellent examples of how yoga can help an individual improve his or her quality of life.

Further Information

There are many locations that offer yoga classes. Remember, that each person is different and will respond differently to the various types of yoga that are currently available. If you try one type and it does not necessarily resonate with you, give another type a shot. Yoga can benefit any individual, and can be especially helpful for people in recovery from substance abuse and addiction.

If you or someone you know is suffering from substance abuse or addiction, please get help as soon as possible. There is no reason to go through this alone. Please feel free to reach out to us for further information or with any questions regarding substance abuse or addiction. We are available anytime via telephone at: 213-389-9964, or you can always email us at: info@friendlyhousela.org.