One aspect that can be attributed to yoga’s appeal is the
aspect of mindfulness that the practice can instill in each and every
practitioner. Whether you’re there for the sweat, the stillness or the
savasana, you’re bound to introspectively reflect on your experience in some
way. The experts at Harvard University believe that this mindfulness can also be
experienced off the mat.
Yoga allows for the development of breath, awareness and
mental strength, as well as physical
strength. It encourages you to bring your body to its limits, acknowledge them,
and move on. Mindfulness is focusing your attention, without
judgment, on what you are experiencing in that particular moment, and then
moving on.
Studies have shown that yoga practitioners typically have
lower body mass indexes (BMIs) compared to those who do not practice yoga. This
ability to manage weight may be related to the idea that yoga practitioners
tend to be more in-tune with their bodies. This mindfulness skill can translate
to better eating habits and an increased sensitivity to hunger and fullness
cues.
Yoga has also been found to have a positive effect on
cardiovascular health, which is likely due to the practice’s restoration of the
body’s baroreceptor sensitivity. This is what guides the body to maintain
balance and regulate blood pressure. Yoga has also been shown to positively
influence lipid profiles in both healthy practitioners and in those with
reported coronary artery disease. Additionally, the practice has been linked to
lower blood sugar levels in people with non-insulin dependent diabetes.
Bottom Line: Overall, the benefits of yoga extend off the
mat, elevating mindfulness and promoting health, increasing muscle strength and
flexibility, and enhancing cardio-respiratory fitness. Interested in trying yoga?
Many gyms offer yoga classes, but you can also practice yoga in the comfort of
your own home with a yoga DVD.
Visit Wellness Workdays for more information about our worksite wellness programs.
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