Yoga classes are a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. Many people find that after attending a class, they are better able to focus their mind and learn new things more easily.
The physical postures used in yoga have been shown to improve balance and strength, which can prevent injuries. Yoga also builds body awareness and the ability to listen to your own body.
Stress Relief
In a world where it’s hard to find time for rest, yoga helps relieve the stress of modern living. It is a proven stress reducer that allows you to practice mindfulness and relaxation, while building strength, flexibility and balance. Regular practice of yoga can improve your mood and boosts the release of hormones, endocannabinoids and neurotransmitters that promote feelings of wellbeing and calmness.
Yoga also helps reduce the effects of chronic stress, which can lead to illness. In fact, a 2019 study found that long-term yoga participation improved the quality of life (QOL) in people with depression and anxiety.
Many yoga classes start with an audible chanting of “ohm.” This is a short chant that serves as an audio cue to leave all the stress and worries at the door, and focus on the present moment. Some yoga classes may also include meditation and breathing techniques to help you clear your mind and improve your mood.
Flexibility
Stretching is a primary component of yoga, and it can loosen tight muscles that may lead to injuries. Increased flexibility also helps improve balance, as it enhances the body’s range of motion, corrects imbalances and reduces strain on muscles.
While you’ll likely never be as flexible as the Instagram yogis who can reach their face down to their thighs or get into the splits, most people start to notice an impact on their flexibility after just three to four classes. Additionally, incorporating yoga into your routine can help slow down the loss of flexibility that happens as you age.
If you are a beginner, consider looking for a class with a smaller group size and a more hands-on instructor. This can ensure that you’re executing poses correctly and preventing injuries. A studio that offers private lessons is also a great option for beginners because it gives you individualized instruction and guidance. This can ease your anxiety and make you feel more comfortable in a class.
Strength
Yoga can help you build strength by increasing the range of motion in your joints. Poses that stretch and strengthen the back, legs, arms, and core can improve balance and endurance, too. A yoga workout also increases blood and oxygen flow to muscles, which helps rid your body of lactic acid built up during exercise.
The more vigorous styles of yoga burn calories and can be a good cardio workout. For example, a power or vinyasa class may challenge you to hold poses for one minute or longer. Some yoga classes, like the Yoga Body Sculpt available at Crunch, focus on conditioning and core strength.
A 1975 study in the Lancet found that a regular yoga practice reduced high blood pressure. But you should talk to your doctor before starting any new fitness program, especially if you have diabetes or heart problems. You may need to modify the exercises or use props, such as a chair, to keep from overworking your body.
Sleep
If you suffer from sleep problems, then the first thing that you need to do is get rid of all the stress in your body. Yoga is a good way to do that because it is known to reduce stress and relax the nervous system. This is why it helps people with sleeping problems and it also encourages a deeper sleep.
In fact, a number of studies have shown that yoga can improve the quality of sleep and even reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in some people. It is important to note that you need to do a regular practice of yoga for the best results.
If you want to try yoga for sleeping, then you should consider taking a gentle class. You should also avoid doing vigorous exercise just before you go to bed. Instead, opt for yoga stretches and deep breathing that will help your body prepare for restful sleep. Yoga can help you fall asleep faster and improve the quality of your sleep so that you wake up feeling rested and ready to start the day.