Do you remember how people thought of yoga before it got popular as a form of working out to ‘tone your body’? It was more of a meditation, a calming time meant to relax more than work out. Every quote I found about yoga had to do with calming the mind, changing our mood, essentially transforming ourselves inwardly…nothing mentioned about the great workout it is. I figured there must be a reason the core of yoga is about our minds.
After doing research and some personal experimenting with the effects of yoga, I was surprised to find out there are just as many benefits for our outward bodies as there are for us inwardly (not the results I was expecting to find!).
8 Bodily Effects
-Weight normalizes in those who do yoga.
-Sleep improves.
-Endurance increases.
-Back, neck, knee, and shoulder pain ease (that’s naming only a few).
-Muscles build, tone, and are strengthened.
-Balance improves.
-Flexibility improves.
-Posture improves.
8 Inwward Effects
–Energy level increases.
-Depression is reduced.
-Focus and concentration are improved, allowing clearer thoughts and clear decision making.
-Meditation (I like to call it prayer or quiet time with God) is proven to reduce anxiety and stress as well as cortical levels, and increase calming hormones.
-Cognitive function is improved.
-Respiratory function increases in efficiency
-Blood pressure and heart rate are reduced (meaning better cardio function).
-Immune function increases.
^the two points above combine to allow for better rest, sleep and recovery, and the ability to think more clearly under pressure.
Luke and I started trying yoga exercises, as simple as stretching, when our bodies and minds are feeling stressed out. Just before going to sleep, we’ll diffuse a relaxing scent like lavender and get to stretching, doing a short yoga video, and focusing on deep breathing. Favorite Top Link for all the yoga festivities (and for athleisure, it’s so comfy)!
My recommendation (based on research studies) is to get in some yoga either in the morning, before bed, or after more strenuous exercise. Many of these benefits were tested and found to start producing results after 5 weeks of doing yoga 3 times per week, 60 minutes each session.
I talk a lot about benefits, and I have to say there were quite a few to list here, many of which I have experienced myself. A simple practice of deep breathing and praying in a quiet environment dramatically helps my sleep and mental state feel more at peace. I absolutely give credit to God for this, but it is so clear to me that He wants us to implement every muscle in the bodies He has given us! Our bodies are meant to glorify Him, so taking the time to slow down, stretch, breathe, and think about every part of our body, inside and out, working to do even the simplest of motions is not only astounding, but also honors Him!
2 Comments
Glad you are making this about God and his desire to make our bodies strong for his work. Not just a focus on self. Nice read! ❤️