21st JUNE is International Yoga Day. Yoga is not just a form of exercise but an ancient Indian philosophy that focuses on strength, flexibility, and breathing to balance our body and live a long healthy life. The main aim of the international yoga day is to raise awareness about the practice and the benefits of yoga. This day is celebrated in more than 170 countries across the world.
Some of the benefits attributed to Yoga are:
Improved Metabolism: Yoga can help improve your basal metabolism, which results in a more efficient use of calories you ingest, thereby leading to maintenance of a healthy weight and muscle strength.
Weight Reduction: Yoga is an effective exercise for muscle gain and weight loss, as well as general fitness. Weight loss is a result of improved muscle tone and metabolism, resulting in an improved calorie burn. Yoga combined with a sensible diet plan is a great way to achieve your weight goals.
Better Sleep: Yoga not only helps you in reducing stress related problems but also gives you a better peace of mind and sleep. Some of the important Yoga asanas that aid in sleep are Uttanasana, Supine Spinal Twist asana, Supta Baddha Konasana, Supta Padangusthasana and Savasana etc.
Improved Blood Circulation: Yoga not only improves blood circulation but also keeps your body fit. Improved blood flow results in healthier organs and glowing skin. Some of the yoga techniques with effects on circulation are Deep Breathing, Kapalbhati and Standing Postures.
Better Posture: Through practicing Yoga one can become more flexible and improve muscle tone and strength, leading to a greatly improved posture.
Improved Psychological Health: Yoga helps to relieve stress and improve memory power along with calming down the mind and body. It relaxes the body and decreases the feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression.
Increased Flexibility: Yoga increases the flexibility of the muscles of the body. It stretches the muscles and tones them, thereby making them strong. Lower back pain, a common disorder, can be relieved by practicing yoga regularly.
Improvement In Gastrointestinal Health: Studies have shown that with regular practice of yoga, the digestive system is activated, and indigestion, gas, and other stomach related diseases are eliminated.
Boosts Immunity: Yoga and immunity go hand in hand. Yoga works towards healing and enhancing every cell in the body.