The 8 Short And Long Term Health Benefits Of Practicing Yoga

Yoga has become extremely popular recently, and for good reason. Not only is it a good workout for your body, but it’s also a great way to mentally unwind.

Even if you’re not going upside down into fancy headstands, simply disconnecting from the world and focusing on your body in the present moment can have a whole slew of health effects.

If you have recently begun doing yoga, you may start to wonder when you’ll start the reap the numerous benefits of the practice. Some health effects are actually instant, while others can make their impact over time.

Whether you feel refreshed after class or your stress has decreased over a few months, there’s no arguing that yoga is good for the mind, body and the soul.

But just as it is with any habit, the more you do it, the stronger the effects. Below are some of the positive benefits of doing yoga and how long it takes to experience each outcome.

Short-Term

1. Reduce Stress

Just one single yoga class can reduce tension, anxiety, depression, anger, and hostility, according to a study published in the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal.

2. Lessen Back Pain

If you’re looking for lower back pain treatment, yoga is a good option. Taking one or two Hatha yoga classes per week is effective at treating lower back pain, according to research from the journal Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

3. Improve Heart-Health

Many people shy away from yoga because they want more of an aerobic workout, but a study from Harvard University found that doing yoga is just as good for your art as taking a cycling class.

Some yoga classes are more heart-pumping than others, but most yoga classes can lower your blood pressure and protect you from heart disease.

4. Get Better Sleep

A daily yoga practice can help you get to bed earlier, sleep longer, and even sleep better, according to other research from Harvard University. Yoga is a great natural remedy for insomnia, and even just 10 minutes of yoga a day can make an impact.

Long-Term

5. Improve Flexibility

One of the most discussed benefits of yoga is improved flexibility. A study published in the Journal of Strength and Condition Research found that doing Bikram Yoga three times a week improved flexibility over an eight-week period.

6. Lower Your Risk Of Depression And Anxiety

When it comes to treating long-term mood disorders, yoga has proven to be effective. Many studies have found that yoga can help improve depression and anxiety, with some effects showing up immediately after class, and other, long-term effects occurring after just 90 days.

7. Build A Stronger Immune System

Exercise is good for your immune system, and yoga is no different. Research out of Norway shows that practicing yoga produces internal changes on a genetic level. Since yoga reduces stress, and stress can make you sick, a long-term yoga practice can help protect you against the cold and flu.

8. Develop Stronger Bones

A 10-year study from the journal Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation found that just 12 minutes of yoga daily can help improve bone strength and reverse osteoporotic bone loss. This includes bones in the spine, hips, and femur

Whether you’re doing yoga for short-term or long-term benefits, the practice is a good addition to your daily activities if you want to help destress and improve your overall health.

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