Yoga is a life-enhancing practise that is appropriate for anyone, at any age or stage of life and in any physical condition. But have you adopted yoga as a part of your life? If you are in search of a valid reason for why you need yoga in your life then let’s focus on one factor that is prevalent in all our lives – stressful times. Yoga has many benefits and one of them is that yoga can help to reduce stress. The asanas and breathing practices in yoga can help as an overall stress-relieving practise.  When each asana is done with complete awareness and concentration then you can experience harmony in mind, body and emotions. Let’s see how yoga helps to reduce stress:

1. Yoga relieves the tension from the body

When yoga is done at a slow pace it gives an immense benefit to our body. One should never struggle or juggle with our yogic postures but one should relax in each posture and completely surrender to it. It will release the entire tension build in our muscles and in return provide flexibility, strength, and stamina to the body. 

To gain this benefit one needs to have a regular and rigorous practice of each asana. In the beginning, the practitioner might experience some soreness and stiffness but gradually with each practice, he would master the art of relaxing in each asana.

2. Unwinds the mind from the cares and concerns of life  

Initially, yoga should be done at a very slow pace as it disengages our mind from worries, cares and concerns of life. It has an overall calming effect on our nervous system. The deep relaxing pace provides peace and comfort to our minds. The overall harmony brings a positive change to a cellular level. It controls the mental agitation and keeps the anxiety and fear at bay.   

3. Yoga introduces the inner self with tranquillity

Today people are leading a fast-paced life which results in aggression and tension. They are unable to concentrate on anything for that matter. Yoga facilitates the practice of meditation which has the potential to overcome stress, panic, and psychosis. It contributes towards internal happiness that everyone yearns for. 

No matter whatever is our condition or position in life, it’s important to remain happy. The problem is that our happiness depends upon the circumstances with which we are surrounded. Therefore, our happiness is very elusive and temporary in nature. It has a very short shelf life. 

Even those who are blessed with everything, experience void like something is missing from their life. It is basically the fear of losing everything at any moment. This fear tends to steal our joy and gravitate us towards sorrow. In order to seek inner peace which is a source of eternal happiness, we need to introduce our inner self with the tranquillity that can be gained only through meditation and yoga.

4. Deep inhalation and exhalation erases fatigue from deep within

Calm, deep and even length of inhalation and exhalation of breath through the nose should be maintained while doing the asanas. Beginners should take time to observe and identify their breathing pattern and then coordinate with their movement of asanas. 

Try to initiate the process of inhalations and exhalations just a bit before the asana and maintain the continuity till the completion of asanas. When the practitioner develops a perfect balance there is a steady flow of prana which rejuvenates the body and mind. It erases the fatigue of the body and mind from deep within. 

5. Connects the rhythm of the body with the cosmic energy

It is important to understand the rhythm of the mind and body which is very much synchronized with nature, but nowadays due to our lifestyle, it has taken a backseat. We must understand this rhythmic pattern and try to set the tone of ourselves according to it.

Since it is difficult to rein the chords of mind, one can unify the asanas with rhythmic breaths. During, the practice one should direct their attention toward the breath along with the physical movement. This will gradually establish a link between the rhythmic breathing and the swift movement in asanas. It will create a deep heat within the core and cleanse all the toxins from the body which will eventually strengthen the core and tone up the muscles. It will connect the rhythm of the body and mind to the higher cosmic powers and the practitioner would be able to meditate during the asanas which will give him eternal peace.

6. Yoga strengthens the immune system and prevents diseases 

Ailments are the major cause of stress in one’s life. It can cause havoc in one’s life even if it happens to you or to any member of your family. Yoga eliminates toxins and addresses the root cause of a disease. Asanas focus on the strength and the flexibility of a body, rectifies glandular effects and creates a hormonal balance. 

Asanas provide adequate massage to the internal organs and stimulate them through various movements. The endocrine system functions efficiently which is responsible for balancing emotions and broadens the mental faculties. 

Yoga not only builds and tones the muscles, but it also provides complete rehauling of body and mind. It combats several ailments such as insomnia, asthma, depression and reduces high blood pressure. The list of diseases is endless but yoga can definitely keep them at bay so that we can live a healthy and happy life. 

7. Revitalizes the body with a new surge of energy

It is very important to seek real knowledge of the science of yoga. When we go to sleep our mind remains awake and it is throbbing with various thoughts. It’s only during deep sleep it is able to relax. Then the next morning we find our mind to be calm and tranquil. All our senses are at peace and ease. They are ready to embrace a new day. At this hour of the day when we practice yoga, pranayama, and meditation it has immense benefits. One’s relationship improves. One can take charge of their life and mind. When one works with a new surge of energy neither we feel tired or dull at any given point of the day. We are able to handle any amount of pressure be it an emotional or physical. 

8. Releases negative energy and improves the emotional well being

The yogic practice was primarily evolved for spiritual development. As and when the transformation takes place within you in terms of spirituality – all the conflicting issues related to self-confidence, relationships or even more get resolved. 

It releases the negative emotions with patience and perseverance which otherwise can adversely affect our body and mind. It brings about a positive change in every aspect of our life. 

The unknown fears or tensions we tend to hold in our bodies for a very long duration have a severe negative impact on our body and mind but each asana has the potential to release that stiffness or tension to bring back the overall balance in our emotional health.   

9. Yoga boosts your confidence and brings a glow  

Regular practice of yoga, breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation lead to good health. This results in glowing and flawless skin, lustrous hair, and a fit body. With a healthy and beautiful appearance, you will always feel good about yourself. You step out in confidence and ready to face the challenges of the world.

10. Yoga relaxes body and mind through Shavasana

Shavasana (Corpse pose) provides instant relaxation and brings down the stress level. The yogic power nap can be taken at any point in time. It is considered as a ‘hypnagogic state’ which lies somewhere between alpha and theta waves where the practitioner is able to relax his body and mind without going into a deep sleep. Shavasana is usually done after the asanas as there is too much of energy released from the body in the form of heat. It gives deep rest and calms down the entire nervous system. Thus, we can lead a stress-free day with good health.