3 major reasons why yoga is more important than you think

Yoga is the path to better health and a better life. We list three reasons why yoga must become a way of life for all.

Though most people are aware that yoga is beneficial to them, they do not realise just how beneficial it can be. Consider the following reasons that underline the importance of yoga in daily life:

1. It lightens your being. Regular practice of yoga helps dispel the negative emotions that weigh you down. Since asanas and meditation require concentration, you are forced to leave aside other thoughts while your yoga session is on. This soon becomes a habit, where you can detach from stressful situations at will. In turn, you find that you experience a lightness of being that you had never known before.
2. It shows the way to enlightenment. Yoga and meditation pave the way to greater focus and clarity. By aiding concentration, you are able to channel your energies better and finish the task at hand. On a spiritual level, this mental acuity can help one sift through the many thoughts one has and focus on the one that is most important. All other thoughts can fall by the wayside as you focus on the one truth of your life and centre your being around it – this is the essence of ‘sadhana’ and deep meditation to achieve enlightenment.
3. It helps one make sense of the world. With your mental processes sharpened, you are able to face the world with renewed vigour. The world appears more positive and joyful. What seemed scary and stressful now becomes an optimistic place to be in. When you do not feel threatened by outside forces, you are able to understand the world better.

Arising from these three major reasons that stress the importance of yoga in everyday life, there are some key physical and mental benefits as well. Broadly, these are:

• Yoga improves heart health by reducing stress and anxiety.
• It calms the nerves and helps overcome negative emotions. This is an important benefit for those suffering from depression.
• The practice of deep breathing clears the nasal passages, helps the oxygenation of blood and eliminates toxins from the body.
• The asanas improve bone and joint health, while the muscles become stronger and flexible.
• Chronic aches and pains may be relieved by the regular practice of yoga.
• Some practices like Surya Namaskar induce sweating and give an overall cardiovascular workout to the body. This eliminates impurities and improves skin, hair and muscle health.
• Yoga increases mental focus and boosts memory.
• Regular practice of yoga induces feelings of wellness, confidence and contentment.