As a small business owner, you likely find yourself very stressed at times and unable to take care of your health due to the time demands of your work. However, taking care of your mind and body should be a priority, and yoga might be just what you need.

Yoga is the ultimate two-for-one workout, clearing and relaxing the mind while also challenging the body in a healthy way. In this article, we will walk you through yoga's many benefits and how you can use it to achieve better overall health and happiness.

 

The Benefits of Yoga

More Energy

Like any business owner, you have your share of long work days. Research has shown yoga reduces fatigue and has a revitalizing effect on mental and physical energy.

Strength, Balance and Flexibility

Many yoga types and poses promote healthy, full-range movement of your joints, muscles and tissue. While it is typically a relaxing and non-strenuous activity, some categories of yoga are meant to challenge those body parts, thus making them more robust and flexible.

Back Pain Relief

Frequent yoga practice loosens muscles and connective tissue over time. Engaging in such movements consistently does wonders for reducing back pain. Plus, many positions encourage better posture, which is crucial in having a healthy back and alleviating musculoskeletal aches.

Reduced Inflammation

Yoga aims to release tension in your body. Studies have shown certain exercises help ease inflammation linked to severe chronic diseases — such as Crohn’s disease, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.

Heart Health

Yoga helps improve cardiovascular functioning in different ways, depending on your chosen style. Many yoga movements release tension, thin your blood and increase blood flow, which can lower your resting heart rate, blood pressure, risks of a heart attack and more.

Helps You Sleep Better

Certain poses are meant to relieve your senses of stimuli and wind down your nervous system so you can fall asleep more easily and get better sleep. This is a very important benefit, as there are numerous positives that come from a good night’s rest.

Boost Immunity

With all the ways yoga can reduce stress and generate balanced energy in the body, it innately boosts your immunity. There is research that links frequent yoga practice to better immune system function.

Improve Bone Health

Many yoga postures involve holding a position for a prolonged period of time. These exercises are supposed to build strength and muscular endurance, but they can also increase bone density and reverse the effects of bone loss diseases.

Brighter Moods and Reducing Stress, Anxiety and Depression

One of the main objectives of this exercise is to relax, clear your mind and release negative feelings. Not only is daily yoga practice a great way to be calm throughout the day, but consistent yoga practice can significantly increase levels of a “happy chemical” known as serotonin, which plays a crucial role in regulating your mood.

Brain Function

Yoga is the ultimate mind and body exercise; staying disciplined in frequent sessions can help you be at your best every day. Studies show one workout activates brain areas responsible for motivation, executive functions and attention.

Self-Apprehension

Yoga-based meditation can help increase introspective awareness, which means you are more alert to your body’s signals and equipped to regulate your emotions. With this heightened consciousness, you will be more mindful of when you’re burnt out, have clearer judgment and more.

Resources for Quality Yoga

Learn how to do this exercise the right way to maximize its benefits. Here are a few resources to help you get started:

• This article from Verywell Fit dives deep into different categories of yoga poses, their functions and the best ones for beginners to try.
• From getting a good sweat to alleviating stress, there’s a type of yoga for everyone’s wellness goals. Check out this overview from Daily Burn on all types of yoga and the goals with which they align.

The mind and body are interconnected and affect each other in many ways. Yoga simultaneously addresses many mental and physical health aspects, giving you a therapeutic exercise from head to toe. Regularly doing yoga workouts is good for your overall wellbeing, which leads to a better quality of life.

Important: Always consult your doctor or other healthcare professionals before starting any new wellness routines, including changes in diet or exercise.

If you liked this article, learn more about how the American Business Coalition can support you by visiting americanbusinesscoalition.info.