Yoga and meditation are centuries-old traditions performed by Eastern cultures for religious purposes. Fast forward to today, they have become increasingly popular, and millions of practitioners worldwide praise their physical and psychological benefits.
This is why it is hardly surprising that many hotels, resorts, and travel destinations have incorporated yoga retreats into their programs.
Depending on your regularity and how you practice them, science now suggests that different styles of yoga and meditation can boost overall well-being. A wealth of studies indicates that both practices can enhance your resilience to stress factors.
Yoga is focused on achieving a state of physical balance, while meditation focuses on the mind to achieve inner peace and a state of pure consciousness. For the most part, the benefits of yoga and meditation are intertwined, which is why experts recommend practicing both in tandem to enjoy their many benefits.
A recent study published in the Frontiers in Human Neuroscience journal indicated that yoga and meditation act on the immune system and the central nervous system to counter age-related cognitive decline.
Moreover, both practices were shown to suppress genetic factors that typically predispose humans to stress and depression. Here are seven amazing health benefits that yoga and meditation can offer.
Increased Flexibility, Strength, And Balance
Yoga involves a series of coordinated stretches and breathing exercises that develop a strong body-breath connection. Beyond its psychological benefits, yoga practice can sync your body to boost strength and flexibility. As a result, you will have improved posture and a state of physical balance.
This is particularly essential because strength and flexibility are commodities that decline with age, thereby increasing the likelihood of injuries, and can limit our ability to perform daily tasks. Basic yoga exercises can be done at home.
For those poses that appear intimidating, however, attend a yoga class or embark on yoga retreats that employ professional instructors.
Stress Relief
According to a review by the Aging and Mental Health journal on anxiety and depression in older adults, of all the intervention techniques such as massage therapy, music, stress management, and talk therapy, yoga was found to be more effective at managing stress and had a long-lasting effect.
Perhaps unsurprisingly because yoga and meditation techniques can rejuvenate blood flow to your brain. A steady flow of oxygenated blood to your brain will stimulate the production of endorphins – a feel-good hormone that lowers stress hormones.
Meditation is also thought to suppress emotive brain function (also called the limbic system) that helps you stay calm under stressful situations.
Although traditionally, medication and talk therapies are the common solutions used to manage stress and depression, scientific findings suggest that you can rely on yoga and meditation to stay stress-free.
Enhanced Cardiovascular Health
Heart disease remains the leading cause of mortality in the US, with over 610,000 deaths every year. From high blood pressure and chronic fatigue to shortness of breath and muscle cramps, these are all symptoms of poor cardiac health. And you will be surprised how many people have poor circulation.
Most of these symptoms emanate from our lifestyles and can be attributed to modern diets – which generally clog the cardiac system.
Yoga practice uses synchronized exercises and body movements to get the blood flowing. Focused research indicates that practicing yoga can revitalize your cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure. The result is a lowered risk of stroke and heart attack.
Decreases Lower Back Pain
Over 80% of adults experience lower back pains at some stage in their lives. This can impact their ability to sleep, exercise, and perform routine tasks.
While traditionally, physical therapy is the go-to solution for relieving lower back pains, studies suggest that practicing yoga can be equally effective. Better still, it is an inexpensive way to enjoy pain relief.
Enhances Cognitive Function
Breathing practices involved in yoga and meditation can help center, calm, and focus the mind. Think of these exercises as weightlifting for your brain. Brain imaging techniques such as MRI scans indicate that yoga enthusiasts have thicker hippocampus and cerebral cortex compared to non-practitioners.
These brain tissues are responsible for memory and information processing, respectively. That means yoga can strengthen brain function and enhance your cognitive capability concerning thought, attention, memory, language, and awareness.
Improves Focus and Concentration
Are you having trouble concentrating? Why not try yoga and meditation? Due to the fast-paced, digitally involved modern life, it is understandable that many folks struggle to focus on tasks from time to time.
Researchers, however, suggest that yoga and meditation can help you boost focus and concentration. Meditation will slow down the primary auditory cortex (the part of the brain responsible for processing lingering thoughts), and consequently boost your inner sense of awareness.
Helps Manage Weight Loss
Yoga exercises are forms of physical activity and can help overweight folks maintain a moderate weight. Any form of exercise is beneficial for weight loss.
However, the CDC recommends a threshold of 150 minutes weekly if you are looking to maintain a weight loss regimen. This means that regular yoga practice that meets CDC’s threshold will likely contribute to your weight loss efforts.
Who Should Practice Yoga and Meditation?
Generally speaking, yoga and meditation are safe practices and can be done by everyone. The likelihood of suffering injuries is rare, especially when conducted with the help of a qualified instructor.
However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) recommends the following group of people speaks with a doctor before trying yoga:
- Women in the latter stages of pregnancy.
- Folks with 65+ years.
- Individuals with pre-existing spinal, knee, hip, or joint injuries.
- Folks with high blood pressure.
Final Thoughts On Benefits of Mindful Yoga
A wealth of scientific evidence supports the findings of practitioners who praise yoga and meditation for their ability to boost physical and psychological well-being.
Generally speaking, science suggests that yoga and meditation can reduce stress, relieve anxiety, stimulate brain function, help manage depression, relieve lower back pain, and lower the risk of heart disease.
If you are a beginner looking to reap the health benefits of yoga and meditation, join a class to learn under a qualified instructor first and foremost, and embark on a yoga retreat to enrich your life with unforgettable outdoorsy adventures.
