Yoga Meditation Yoga

First thoughts that come into my head when I think about yoga are body flexibility, body movements and relaxation. Though yoga is more than that, it has deeper connections to the mind-body. Connecting with the mind-body is a great communication to have because knowing what our bodies feel helps us figure out if we are tired, hungry, or hurting. Finding the connection between the mind and body is one of the best breathtaking moments. This being said, there are plenty of benefits that yoga has to offer. For example, yoga helps us with balancing a healthy lifestyle, because we become aware of the outcomes from practicing yoga.

Of the many techniques people use to reduce stress, yoga is among one of the more popular. Although some may believe that effects of yoga are merely physical, there is research that suggests that yoga has direct impacts on one’s mental state. According to Forbes, in addition to the benefits on the heart and blood flow, yoga helps release dopamine and gaba and serotonin (Walton, 2012). All of these are known to create feeling of happiness in a person (K. W. Brown, personal communication, Sept. 7). For this lab, I decided I would try yoga for myself to test the results.

Yoga is a comprehensive system of mind/body techniques that is thousands of years old. Its techniques are designed to improve physical and mental health and well being, and include such practices as physical postures and stretching, breathing exercises (pranayama), focused concentration, meditation, visualization, and chanting (mantra) (Desikachar, 1999; van der Kolk, 2014).

Previously discussed was a study centered on professionals using yoga as a technique for improving relationships with their patients, but this study emphasizes the importance of having compassion for yourself. In Newsome et. al (2012) study, thirty-one college students about to enter helping professions, including counseling, nursing, teaching, etc., attended a 6 week long mindfulness group which included mindful yoga. This research showed that after 6 weeks, the students' perceived stress levels had decreased and their mindfulness and self-compassion significantly increased. After the intervention, participants' feelings and thoughts pertaining to the impact of mindful yoga were recorded. One student claimed, "I am beginning to have more

According to the Osteopathic.org website, yoga is proven to provide physical benefits of the human body, including increased flexibility, increased muscle strength and tone, improved respiration, energy and vitality, maintaining a balanced metabolism, weight reduction, cardio and circulatory health, improved athletic performance, and protection from injury. Not only are there physical benefits to yoga, but also mental benefits such as improving a person’s mental health and is proven to increase coping skills. Furthermore, the American Osteopathic Association states, “Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness; increases body awareness; relieves chronic stress pattern; relaxes the mind; centers

Yoga provides excellent mind and body exercise that will help with strengthening muscles, keeping your body flexible - and relaxing your mind.

According to studies by Chiesa and Seretti, 2009 and Hassed, 1996, meditation also relieves stress and seems to be an effective way to increase overall general well-being as it reduces the production of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.5,6

The art of doing yoga we know today originated 5000 years ago in India. The infinite cognitive, physiological, and neurological benefits of yoga have been found and proven effective in regaining energy, balance, and health. Practicing this ancient body art, even just for few short minutes, will enable an individual to regain balance and physical energy. Regular practice of yoga can bring improvement in health, in mind and body, increased energy, well-being, and

Yoga has been shown, through research, to reduce anxiety (Kirkwood, Rampes, Tuffrey, Richardson, & Pilkington, 2005). Yoga is widely practiced by groups of people for various reasons and with ranging levels of devotion. Some seek out yoga and other Eastern religions to seek a higher plane of knowledge and inner peace. Others simply want the benefits of the calming exercises. Some parents may even become upset with the idea of teaching religion in school, but in this aspect, yoga and its benefits are easily taught and can be easily practiced and mastered in a classroom for amazing benefits for students who need to learn to assess their anxiety levels and address them in a way to help alleviate some of the anxiety that is negatively impacting their focus and learning.

Yoga helps a person bring their mind, body and spirit into proper balance. Doing these exercises helps to build a body that has been weakened by injury or by a lack of preparation, and it improves one's posture and breathing technique. With

When an individual participates in yoga, the individual is more aware of their surroundings and mind, and they are engaged with their breath while they transition from one pose to the next. This can allow for physical control and the mindset for the person that they are able to control their physical symptoms without the related arousal or tension that would occur normally. Over time, the individual may be able to tolerate an uncomfortable symptom or thought therefore, they can simultaneously live his/her life in a meaningful way with distraction from the

Yoga is a multibillion dollar industry. It is popular in the United States and is widely recognized for its therapeutic benefits. It lowers blood pressure and provides long-term relief from stress. Yoga is the perfect antidote for many people living stressful lives. This is likely an important reason for its rising popularity.

Nowadays life of people has become quite stressful. To reduce stress people are getting addicted to things like alcohol, tobacco and drugs. People are searching numerous ways to reduce stress. The best way to reduce stress is through meditation and yoga. Meditation and yoga is the complete package through which you can make your life fit, healthy and stress-free. Yoga and meditation when practiced together strengthen the body and mind connection, improving overall fitness and well-being. Both yoga and meditation, when done regularly, has proven to be highly beneficial. Though the practices of yoga and meditation have their roots in ancient cultures, both have become modern day movements.

The benefits of Yoga are endless. It effects the human mind and body in a variety of ways. Roughly 15 million Americans practice yoga, annually there is an expected increase of twenty percent in participants in the United States ("Yoga Statistics"). While Yoga is often thought of as a practice that involves circus like poses and seemingly impossible flexibility; it not. Even bedridden patients can gain benefit from imagining themselves going through the poses and practicing breathing techniques that are appropriate to them (Dickenson 24-25). Yoga is not something that you do at the studio and leave behind. It becomes a way of life; leading to healthier habits, improving psychological health, and encouraging spiritual growth. An article on

In today’s environment, many people are suffering with the stress and anxiety of day to day living and are finding themselves unable to cope with life’s little emergencies. Prescription drugs are on the rise due to the increasing need for people to deal with their stress and anxiety. However, many people are searching for ways to be less stressed and live a happy and healthy life without drugs. If stress and anxiety are getting the best of you, then think about grabbing a mat and giving yoga and meditation a spin. With that in mind, this paper will take a look at the benefits of yoga and meditation to create a more peaceful and healthy lifestyle.