Yoga + Stretching
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Daily stretching can improve our mental and physical health in numerous ways. Studies show that regular yoga practice reduces stress (1, 2, 3, 4), specifically lessens our stress hormone cortisol, can minimize anxiety (1), improves symptoms of depression (1, 2, 3), improves symptoms of PTSD (1), boosts heart health (1), and promotes good sleep quality (1, 2, 3).
Practicing yoga can also help us lower inflammation levels (1), and can can reduce chronic pain (1, 2) while contributing to better overall endurance, flexibility, strength, and balance (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). If we incorporate mindful breathing into our yoga routine, we’ll also see a significant improvement to our lung and physical vitality (1, 2, 3). Because of a strong connection with mindfulness, yoga has also been shown to decrease bad eating habits. Many people who practice yoga experience improvements in their inner-awareness, and therefore improve their confidence and self-image, which has been shown to be especially successful in treating eating-disorders and other esteem-related issues (1). |
Yoga and stretching isn’t about what we look like, it’s about pushing ourselves to our personal “edge” of trying our best.
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Recommended Reading: Spark, The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, by John Ratey MD is a great book that presents fascinating case studies to highlight how exercise can significantly influence mental health, improve memory, sharpen intellect, and help us function better. Check out this great read and my other recommended books on mental + physical + spiritual wellness here:
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My Favorite Exercise Videos
- YOGA -
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- PILATES -
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- FULL BODY -
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- BOOTY -
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