Yoga: a healthy boost for body and mind

Vitamins & minerals
Eléonore de Maurissens
Reading time: 3 minutes
Yoga: een gezonde boost voor lichaam en geest

Yoga is an excellent activity for better physical and mental health. No matter how old or fit you are! Discover the proven health benefits of yoga.


Yoga is an ancient spiritual art with deep roots in Indian philosophy. Today's "Western" yoga is extremely beneficial for the body and relaxes the mind. Hatha yoga is very popular. This is a more physical form of yoga that focuses on 'pranayamas' (control and breathing exercises). Next, 'asanas' (yoga postures, which require physical effort) are practiced, and finally, there is 'savasana' (rest period).1

 

Yoga reduces stress and ensures better mental health2,3

Those who practice yoga may experience significantly fewer feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, those who take group yoga classes may feel less lonely.

 

Yoga, good for your heart

Because yoga lowers stress levels, it also reduces the production of certain hormones that can lead to higher blood pressure, hyperglycemia, and the formation of fat deposits in the blood vessels.4

This way, yoga can not only lower your blood pressure but also slow your heart rate. Practicing yoga is also associated with lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and improved immune system function.5

There are many forms of yoga, which means that each of us can practice yoga and reap the health benefits

The art of sleeping well thanks to yoga6

It has been proven that those who practice yoga fall asleep faster and also sleep "deeper." This is due to practicing the activity itself, as well as the soothing mental effect and the reduction of stress.

For a better night's sleep, yoga 'nidra' is particularly recommended. This is a form of guided meditation, also known as "yogic sleep."

 

Strength, flexibility, posture1,3,7

Some forms of yoga are very physical and lead to better muscle tone. Note that even the gentler forms, such as hatha yoga, can still provide more strength and endurance.

The overall stronger muscle tone thanks to yoga naturally goes hand in hand with better posture. Moreover, if you practice yoga, you will become more aware of your body, which ensures that you will adopt a better posture.

 

Mindfulness and weight control7

With mindfulness, you bring your attention to what you are experiencing at that very moment, without judgment. It has been proven that those who practice yoga are more "mindful," especially regarding nutrition. If you eat mindfully, you become aware of the physical and emotional sensations you experience during a meal without judgment.

If you practice yoga and eat mindfully, you listen better to your body. You become more alert to hunger signals and will notice more quickly when you are satisfied. This, in turn, can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.

 

Yoga can reduce inflammation8

In general, yoga – various forms, light or very intense, a short or long session – reduces inflammatory markers in many chronic conditions, such as osteoarthritis.

Convinced of the many health benefits of yoga? What if you put your words into action? Courses are organized throughout Belgium, and associations such as the Yoga Federation can refer you to instructors in your area.

 

Have you already tried yoga? What benefits have you experienced? Come share your experience on our Facebook and Instagram!

Scientific references

  1. Yoga: What You Need To Know. NIH.
  2. Shohani M. et al., The Effect of Yoga on Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Women. Int J Prev Med. 2018 Feb 21;9:21. doi: 10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_242_16. PMID: 29541436; PMCID: PMC5843960.
  3. 9 Benefits of Yoga. John Hopkins Medicine.
  4. Kivimäki M., Steptoe A. (2018) Effects of stress on the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Nat Rev Cardiol. doi: 10.1038/nrcardio.2017.189.
  5. Cramer H. et al. (2014) Effects of yoga on cardiovascular disease risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Cardiol. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.02.017.
  6. Moszeik, E.N., von Oertzen, T. & Renner, KH. Effectiveness of a short Yoga Nidra meditation on stress, sleep, and well-being in a large and diverse sample. Curr Psychol 41, 5272–5286 (2022).
  7. Yoga benefits beyond the mat. Harvard Health Publishing. September 8, 2021.
  8. Djalilova D.M. et al., Impact of Yoga on Inflammatory Biomarkers: A Systematic Review. Biological Research For Nursing. 2019;21(2):198-209.

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