The Key Benefits of Yoga

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In case you needed all the reasons why practicing yoga is beneficial to you inside and out, I’ve rounded up a comprehensive list. Please share with us if you’ve had personal experience with any of these benefits!

BODY CHEMISTRY

  • Balances hormones
  • Boosts lymphatic system
  • Boosts Vitamin C
  • Increases red blood cell count
  • Reduces cholesterol
  • Reduces sodium
  • Reduces triglycerides

EMOTIONAL

  • Builds a mind-body connection
  • Improves attention span
  • Improves concentration
  • Improves memory
  • Improves mood
  • Improves self-acceptance
  • Improves self-control
  • Improves social skills
  • Increases positivity
  • Promotes calmness
  • Reduces anxiety
  • Reduces depression
  • Reduces hostility
  • Reduces stress

EXTERNAL

  • Boosts anti-aging
  • Boosts energy
  • Builds core strength
  • Builds endurance
  • Builds strength
  • Improves balance
  • Improves dexterity
  • Improves hand-eye coordination
  • Improves muscle tone
  • Improves posture
  • Improves sexuality
  • Improves sleep quality
  • Increases bodily awareness
  • Lowers the risk of injury
  • Promotes weight loss

INTERNAL

  • Boosts immunity
  • Boosts metabolism
  • Builds cardiovascular endurance
  • Builds pain tolerance
  • Improves depth perception
  • Improves circulation
  • Improves gastrointestinal function
  • Improves organ function and health
  • Improves reaction time
  • Improves respiratory function
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Lowers pulse rate
  • Reduces the risk of heart disease
  • Strengthens bones

SYMPTOM REDUCTION OR ALLEVIATION

  • Allergies
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Back pain
  • Cancer
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Chronic bronchitis
  • Constipation
  • Epilepsy
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Menopause
  • Migraines
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Sciatica
  • Scoliosis
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30 Day Yoga Challenge Results

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The 30 days in my 30 Day Yoga Challenge are up and as you can see, I did not complete the challenge completely. Bummer!

I was able to practice Yoga 26 of the 30 days and I am satisfied with that. I feel more relaxed and more limber than before, but less so than when I’ve practiced yoga in the past. I believe this may be due to cutting down on my sugar intake during these past 30 days too, and the effect that has had on my body as I detox has not been enjoyable. In fact, some of the days I didn’t practice I was feeling extreme fatigue and/or suffering from headaches.

Moving forward, I do feel confident that I’ve broken in a new habit. I fully intend to keep practicing yoga at least 3 to 4 days a week! Who’s with me!?

Yoga Challenge Update

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Alright, I am about halfway through my 30 Day Yoga Challenge and I decided to check in and let y’all know how I’m doing…

I missed a day…blargh! It was a Saturday. The day went by and before I knew it I was crawling into bed, dozing off and jolting awake when I realized I’d neglected my yoga! Part of me feels terrible, but I do realize I want to create a lasting habit out of this challenge and some days will be missed. I didn’t use it as an excuse to give up and I won’t give up!

30 Day Yoga Challenge

YogaApp.pngOnce, long ago, I was in the habit of practicing yoga every day. During that time, I felt better physically and mentally than I had in a long time prior. I miss that feeling and I want it back. The problem is, I’m lazy. I start again for a few days, then get bored or make excuses and fall off track.

So here it is, I’m going to do 30 days of yoga; no breaks, no excuses.

I use an application on my iPad called Yoga Studio.

Yoga Studio provides several “classes” per competency level, lasting different lengths and focusing on different goals. Just as an example, I can take a class for beginner strength lasting 30 minutes or mix 15 minutes of beginner combination with 15 minutes of beginner flexibility, depending on my attention span and how I feel.

Individually each of these practices are powerful in their own right and each serves a particular purpose. When practiced with intention and consistency, they develop stamina, strength, energy, flexibility and inner peace. Yoga has numerous health benefits including improvements in cardiovascular, musculo–skeletal and mental health.

At the end of my 30 day challenge, I will have (hopefully) created a good habit and continue practicing yoga without the need to create a challenge like this.

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