September is National Yoga Month
Monday, September 9, 2019
September is a time to celebrate all of the healthy ways yoga benefits us!
In 2008, the Department of Health and Wellness officially designated September as National Yoga Month. This annual observance is a great opportunity to raise awareness and educate your friends about the health benefits associated with yoga.
If you are a seasoned practitioner, try out a different style this month and/or help raise awareness by spreading the word to others by sharing your enthusiasm for yoga.
If you’re new to yoga, you will notice benefits soon. In one study, people improved their flexibility by up to 35% after only 8 weeks of yoga. Yoga is for everybody – all ages, shapes, and sizes.
Benefits of yoga include:
• Increased flexibility.
• Increased muscle strength and tone.
• Improved respiration, energy and vitality.
• Maintaining a balanced metabolism.
• Weight reduction.
• Cardio and circulatory health.
• Improved athletic performance.
• Protection from injury.
When done right, nearly all poses build core strength in the deep abdominal muscles. When you're stronger and more flexible, your posture improves as well.
Almost all yoga styles use meditation techniques to help calm the mind. Deep breathing and meditation practices help foster an inner shift from daily mind struggles to finding stillness and tranquility. Yoga has long been known to lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate. A slower heart rate can benefit people with high blood pressure and help can also help prevent heart disease.
Yoga is not just about working out, it’s about a healthy lifestyle. Each person’s yoga journey is constantly evolving. Having the yoga lifestyle means committing to living mindfully. It is a wonderful practice that helps us to let go of our egos and enjoy life without judgment.
“When you do something, do it with one hundred percent of the mind. Don’t do it half way. Whatever you do, do it with full concentration. That is Yoga.”
- Swami Satchidananda