Benefits of yoga
Our sedentary lifestyle is often the cause of many physical aches and illnesses.
Physical ailments caused by stress and little to no attention to body alignment typically includes lower back pain, chronically bad posture, reduced shoulder and upper back mobility, neck problems, and mouse arm. Back problems is one of the most common ailments in today’s society, and is the leading cause to sick leave in Norway.
The scientific studies on the effects of yoga is increasing in both quantity and quality. Studies on yoga and back pain strongly indicates that yoga is superior to most other forms of exercise when it comes to reducing pain and symptoms.
The main difference between yoga and other types of exercise is the connection of breath and movement, which builds awareness and focus. It is a practice that is designed for creating a strong and healthy body, and with the right approach it can be a healing practice for both the body and mind.
The physical benefits of a regular yoga practice is increased flexibility and strength. Yoga targets the stabilising muscles as well as the bigger, more dominant muscles, building sustainable strength that in the long run will decrease the risk for injury and pain. Yoga is suitable and beneficial for those who doesn’t exercise regularly, as well as for those who exercise a lot.
Sources
Smaadal, C. (2012) Sykdommen som plager flest og koster mest. NRK Livsstil.
Elstad, T. (2016) Yoga – The Best Drug for Lower Back Pain. Yoga Science.
Benefits of meditation and mindfulness
Living a normal life in the city, we are not just constantly stimulated, we are OVERstimulated and stressed.
We rarely take the time to feel and be still as we are taught to put our rationality and reasoning first. Taking the time to quiet the mind and move consciously has huge benefits for our well being. Yoga and meditation not only reduces stress, but regular practice can also help our cognitive functioning and ability to perform.
Sources
Elstad, T. (2016) Perceived stress – the Good and the Bad. Yoga Science
How often should you practice?
The amount of practice will vary depending on each individual’s needs and objective.
For the typical office rat whose goal is not spiritual enlightenment, but a healthy body and mind, this is what I would recommend:
Basic
60-90 minutes of yoga weekly
Yoga & meditation
60-90 minutes of yoga weekly + joined or separate 30-60 minutes of meditation
Yoga Wellbeing
60 minutes of yoga twice weekly
or
75 minutes of yoga & meditation twice weekly