Nine surprising yoga benefits

Balasana | child’s pose

If you’re like me, reminders count. So this beautifully simple list from yogipeaceclub, bares repeating.

Why wouldn’t simple things like a stretch, deeper breathe, bringing some intentionality to our attention and thoughts - be healing?

Being a healthy human isn’t supposed to be a complicated endeavour. And that confusion might be a symptom of being disconnected from our body, and looking outside for the answers that are found within.

Trust your intuition… and your yoga mat x

1. REDUCES BACK PAIN

Yoga can reduce chronic lower back pain. One of the most well-researched benefits. Studies consistently show yoga reduces chronic lower back pain and helps people move more freely in daily life.

2. LOWERS STRESS HORMONES

Research has found yoga reduces cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, particularly in people under sustained stress.

3. IMPROVES YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM

Yoga improves how your nervous system recovers. Regular yoga has been linked to better heart rate variability - a key marker of how well your body bounces back from stress. Your nervous system becomes more resilient.

4. REDUCES BLOOD PRESSURE

Yoga can reduce blood pressure. Research involving thousands of participants has found yoga associated with meaningful reductions in blood pressure - comparable in some studies to low-dose medication.

5. IMPROVES BALANCE

Yoga improves balance and reduces falls. Well studied in older adults. Research consistently shows yoga improves balance and reduces fall risk. One of the most practical long-term health benefits.

6. REDUCES INFLAMMATION

Studies have found yoga lowers inflammatory markers in the body, including in people managing chronic health conditions.

7. IMPROVES SLEEP

Research shows yoga improves sleep quality, duration and efficiency,  particularly for women, older adults and people managing ongoing health challenges.

8. SUPPORTS MENTAL HEALTH

The evidence here is substantial. Yoga has been studied as a support tool for anxiety, depression and PTSD, with research showing meaningful reductions in anxiety across a wide range of people.

9. IMPROVES LUNG FUNCTION

Less well known. Research shows regular yoga, particularly breathwork, improves how much air your lungs can hold and how efficiently you breathe, even in healthy adults.

Your mat is doing more work than you think.

​~ Reproduced from YogiPeaceClub x