Enjoy a Happy and Healthier Life with Yoga

[Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Kate Wilsson, a blogger and fitness fanatic.]

Sometimes modern life can be so stressful and hectic that we forget to take time to take care of ourselves. We all want happiness and health, but unless we exercise and plan fitness into our daily routine, we risk succumbing to illness and disease. While droves of people go to gyms and parks to lift weights or run, many have discovered through yoga a wonderful, self-contained solution for reaping the benefits of physical activity.

Originating in India some 7,000 years ago, the discipline of yoga continues to provide modern-day practitioners a scientific pathway to mental, physical and spiritual well-being. If you’re on the fence about taking up yoga, consider the following benefits you could be enjoying:

Curing Disease

Among yoga’s numerous benefits, many suffering from disease have discovered relief from diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart problems, sleeplessness, asthma, cancer etc. The list could go on. For many suffering for prolonged periods of time, the results have been nothing short of miraculous.

Stress Relief

Yoga also provides an effective method to relieve daily tension and stress. By moving through the physical postures, sitting quietly in meditation, and discovering the hidden joys of learning to breath properly (pranayama), your mind and body will thank you over and over.

Staying Fit

Many people come to yoga hoping to find a new way to overcome the monotony of gym life. With regular practice you can rest assured that you are on the pathway to a happy and healthy body, both inside and out. The added benefit of yoga is that you can kiss your gym membership goodbye and enjoy twisting into a pretzel in nothing but your underwear in the comfort of your own living room.

Weight Management

If you feel like you’ve tried every diet on the market looking to shed those extra pounds, daily yoga practice provides a tried and true method of getting the body moving and burning off calories.

Pain Relief

Many have reported, and a growing body of medical science confirms, the pain relief benefits of yoga experienced by those suffering from physical pain.

Increased Strength

Be warned, yogic postures and exercises work the body and muscles from head to toe. You will get stronger.

Last but not least, yoga provides a perfect platform for implementing what I consider the six “secrets” of longevity:

1. Necessary physical labor,

2. Adequate rest,

3. Proper nutrition,

4. Regular fasting,

5. Cool water baths before sleeping, and

6. Meditation

With so many benefits to be gained, don’t waste another minute! Join the millions for whom dedicated yoga practice has brought happiness and health to mind and body.

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About the author: Kate is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on health and technology. She is a self-declared fitness freak.