Yoga: So Much More Than You Think!

1. Improves Sleep Quality

• Decreases time to fall asleep

• Increases duration of continuous sleep

2. Cardiovascular Benefits

• Decreases blood pressure

• Lowers cortisol levels (less stress hormone=good for heart health!)

• Improves circulation (including increased blood flow to vital organs)

3. Better Mental Health

• Used by many as a non-pharmacological way to help manage anxiety & depression

• Lowers cortizol & other stress related hormones

• Increases seratonin levels (a hormone which helps regulate mood/ feelings of well-being and sleep)

• Shown to decrease irritability

• Increases concentration and attentiveness

4. Physical Well-Being

• Increased muscular strength and control

• Improved flexibility

• Better balance and stability

• Improved gait/ walking ability

• Shown to help in reducing and relieving chronic pain

5. Other Surprising Facts

• Has been shown to help individuals with cancer reduce nausea, decrease fatigue and pain, and improve mental health and quality of life

• Due to its focus on and benefits of self-control, mental health benefits, and chronic pain reduction, yoga has been successfully used to help treat addiction

Bibliography: Woodyard C. Exploring the therapeutic effects of yoga and its ability to increase quality of life. Int J Yoga. 2011;4(2):49-54. doi:10.4103/0973-6131.85485.