As human beings, it's in our nature to stress.

 

Stress is a natural part of life, and while in small amounts it may actually be good for you, problems start to arise when stress becomes overwhelming, affecting you physically and mentally.

 

Stress increases the hormone, cortisol, which can affect you in various ways, from hormonal disruptions and acne flare ups to an overall feeling of exhaustion.

 

This is where yoga comes in. 

 

We've all heard of this relaxing practice, but how many of us have actually taken the time to try it for ourselves? It’s easy to make excuses such as "I just don't have the time," or "I could never get calm enough to do that."

 

The point is, that in order to keep both your mind and body healthy, you absolutely need to make time. You won't believe what even just 5 minutes can do for you mentally.

 

As for not believing you can sit still for long enough to benefit, practices such as yoga are designed to train your brain, over time, to learn how to focus and better deal with life's challenges.

 

Mental chatter is completely normal in the beginning and doesn't mean you are doing your yoga wrong.

 

In this article, we explore the benefits of yoga, as well as offer some helpful tips on how to get started. 

 

Yoga is a moving form of meditation.

 

It is perfect if you struggle to sit still, but still want an exercise that can ground you.

 

Yoga focuses on deep breathing to help center you, while practicing a variety of poses to calm both the body and mind, and gently challenge you, physically and mentally.

 

There are many different types of yoga, but the kind we recommend as a beginner is Hatha Yoga, which simply means “the practice of yoga.”

 

Hatha yoga focuses on gentle poses and is ideal for beginners. Once you get into it and become more advanced you can move on to more challenging yoga classes such as energetic Vinyasa flows.

 

The benefits of yoga are profound and endless, but here are just a few!

Health Benefits

• Can help cure insomnia
• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces stress
• Improves the immune system
• Helps to protect the body against disease

Physical Benefits

• Improves athletic performance
• Increases flexibility
• Strengthens and tones muscles
• Keeps you at a healthy weight
• Protects your body against injury
  
  

If you have tried yoga before, either by yourself or in a class, and have decided it's just not for you then we urge you to give it just one more chance.

 

As individuals, we are all unique, and what may work for one person, may not work for another.

 

Some of us prefer going to a class and mingling with other yogis, whereas others may enjoy practicing privately at home in their comfiest clothes, and the dog snoring on the couch, keeping them company.

 

You just have to do what feels right for you.

 

If you have never tried yoga before, then we highly recommend trying the Yoga With Adriene Channel on YouTube out this channel. Adriene is a wonderful teacher whose motto "find what feels good" is something we can completely relate to. She doesn't believe you should force yourself into difficult poses, but to rather listen to your body and do what feels right for you.

 

Her overall Hatha yoga style is perfect for individuals of all different levels; however, she also has more intense intermediate flows, and even completely relaxed videos for days when you just need to keep it easy.

 

Her personality is so chilled and relaxed, that it will feel as if you are taking a yoga class with a friend!

 

With so many different videos to choose from, you are sure to find a few that work for you.

 

After learning about how yoga can improve your health, your fitness levels, and your state of mind, we hope you will give it a try! Feel free to share your experience with us, as we always love to hear from our loyal readers!

 

Source: Yoga with Adriene