Here’s a wake up call, yoga and stretching is for everyone and not just overly enthusiastic environmentalists. We’re not saying that you should start lighting every scented candle under the sun, but as little as ten minutes of stretching and concentrated relaxation a day has been proven to improve concentration, relaxation and decrease stress, writes Jamie Griffiths.
Just to prove to you that techniques such as yoga are for everyone, have a quick search for Conor Mcgregor performing a headstand on Venice beach. What you’ll find is a man with complete control of his body. You can achieve this too by working to improve your flexibility and core strength. Besides becoming more nimble, performing relaxation techniques and stretches can have a positive impact on other areas of your life.
Conor is a fan of mixing up his training routine by learning new disciplines such as yoga and gymnastics. He say’s that it helps to keep his mind fresh and constantly focused. Even if we aren’t a UFC two-weight world champion, we can all benefit from this fresh mindset. After work or while studying it is a great skill to be able to empty your mind for a short period and refresh your mind. Here are four specific ways in which yoga and stretching can help you.
#1 INCREASED FLEXIBILITY
It has been shown that as little as 10 minutes of yoga can improve flexibility. This in turn will have numerous benefits to your everyday life. It will ease those aches first thing in the morning while also helping to improve posture.
#2 BECOME BETTER AT STUDYING OR AT WORK
Even if the only benefit you take away from yoga is improved deep breathing, then it can bring massive benefits. Have you ever felt short of breath before daunting tasks such as an interview or presentation? By learning to control your breathing you will perform better in stressful situations.
#3 IMPROVE BREATHING AND BLOOD FLOW
One of the biggest aspects of yoga is learning to control your breathing. Although controlling your breathing sounds simple, it isn’t as easy as it seems. Once you have begun to master the art of deep breathing, it will help you in other areas too.
#4 INCREASE MUSCLE STRENGTH AND TONE
A number of the poses and techniques that are utilised within yoga are incredibly technical and will build great body strength and control over your own frame. Certain forms of yoga are popular with a number of elite athletes in a number of disciplines.
#5 IMPROVED LOVE LIFE
yoga can dramatically improve your sex life. This might be a tough one to sell to you, but it’s true. One immediate of yoga is that it improves flexibility. This opens up a whole new world of opportunities. Yoga has also been found to the release of hormones that boost arousal and increase blood flow to the genital area, which is important for erections. What is there to complain about?
Words by Jamie Griffiths.
