Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice that can be traced back to Northern India more than 5,000 years ago. The practice of yoga started with the intent of cultivating self-awareness and self-regulation, which would ultimately lead to the attainment of higher consciousness at the individual level. Today, this ancient practice has become extremely popular, especially among the younger generations. The benefits of yoga are numerous, ranging from health benefits to the body as well as the mind. It is not an age-restricted exercise either and can appeal to all age groups.
Scientific research has proven that incorporating yoga into your daily routine can improve metabolism, and help boost cardio, circulatory as well as respiratory health. This is especially important to prevent the chances of related health diseases developing during one’s twilight years. For younger generations, the appeal of turning to yoga might also lie in the fact that yoga can improve the flexibility of the body, while strengthening muscles and improving body toning, thus resulting in better athletic performance. Many star athletes such as Tom Brady, LeBron James, and Kevin Love have integrated yoga into their training, and their performance is a testament to yoga’s benefits.
Our everyday life is not without its daily stresses, and yoga can help with mental wellness as well. Since the original purposes of yoga included the attainment of higher individual consciousness, it is hardly surprising that yoga can help alleviate mental stress. The encouragement of muscle relaxation and releasing stress stored in the physical body in the form of muscle knots is one way in which stress is relieved through yoga. Meditative techniques such as controlling one’s breath and clearing the mind are fundamental aspects of yoga and have been proven as excellent ways of reducing anxiety.