With yoga having existed for thousands of years, it’s well known to offer an almost endless host of benefits. It’s a great way to weave in an altogether healthier lifestyle and better way of living. It can be a total mind and body workout that improves physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental health. The most commonly known benefits of practicing yoga include better muscle strength and tone, improved flexibility, and better sleep. Some forms of yoga also involve the practice of breathing exercises and mindfulness, which can help manage stress and other mental health conditions. However, there are still a lot more benefits than this that may only be known to relatively few people. Here are some unexpected benefits that you can gain so read on for these 5 Lesser-Known Benefits of Yoga!
1. Yoga can help cure hangovers!
Hangovers are nasty and uncomfortable. If you’ve been experiencing bad headaches after a long night, it may be an excellent idea to explore natural remedies. For instance, doing yoga can help relieve a hangover naturally and quickly by releasing toxins in the body and improving the digestion process. It also promotes blood circulation that sends rejuvenated oxygen throughout the body. As a result, you will feel refreshed and energized.
3 yoga poses to cure hangovers
- Natarajasana (Dancer Pose)
- Navasana (Boat Pose)
- Marjaryasana (Cat Pose)
Besides relieving your head discomfort, practicing these exercises in the morning will also help improve your overall health. Thus, it’s a great alternative to drinking medicine every time you spend the night with a drink or two.
2. Yoga makes your skin glow
If you’ve been doing yoga regularly for some time, you may see an improvement in your skin. Because yoga promotes blood circulation and oxygen flow within the body, toxins in the body are eliminated while opening the pores on the surface of the skin. It also reduces stress and fatigue which in turn helps your skin remain elastic, young and glowing. The best yoga poses to perform for glowing skin are those that ensure that the blood flows vigorously from head to toe.
3 yoga poses for glowing skin
- Uttanasana (Forward Fold Pose)
- Ardha Matsyendrasana (Seated Twisted Pose)
- Savasana (Corpse Pose)
If you’re unfamiliar with the proper yoga forms and poses, it may be helpful to enrol in a yoga class to learn the basics. This way, you can do the workout anywhere you want, even without the supervision of a yoga instructor.
3. Yoga can help improve your relationships
Interesting one right? While relationships can sometimes be difficult and complicated, practicing yoga can actually help improve relationships. Aside from romantic relationships, it also improves friendship, relationship with family, and of course, your relationship with yourself. Yoga promotes acceptance and awareness. By becoming aware, you can identify what you and the people around you need. Through self-love, you can create closer and more sustainable relationships with others.
Additionally, some yoga poses can be done in pairs. So, if you’re looking for a great way to bond with your loved ones, then doing partner yoga may be a great idea.
3 yoga poses for relationships
- Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel Pose)
- Sirsasana (Headstand Pose)
- Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II Pose)
4. Improves pelvic health
Since yoga is a total mind and body workout, you will become more confident and stronger. You become more flexible as you practice, while your pelvic floor muscles are improved. Some yoga poses target your pelvis and lower limbs to improve mobility and flexibility. For women, stronger pelvic floor muscles mean an easier time in pregnancy and the child-birthing experience.
3 yoga poses for better pelvic health:
- Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Cobbler’s Pose)
- Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (One-Legged Pigeon Pose)
- Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)
5. Heightens your intelligence
Practicing yoga improves brain functions that help it process information faster and more thoroughly. Through improved blood circulation, as well as a regulated breathing rate, oxygen flows into your brain giving you extra focus and clearer thinking. Furthermore, learning mindfulness may help you feel more aware of your surroundings and allows you to process information with a clear mind.
3 yoga poses for improved brain function:
- Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
- Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
- Kumbhakasana (Plank Pose)
Practicing yoga has various benefits for your mind and body. So, if you’re searching for a workout to improve your overall wellbeing and health, don’t hesitate to try yoga.
