Most of the time after work individuals tend to pursue their hobbies as a way to unwind. For some that would undertake their hobbies over a weekend while for others, it could be a daily routine. Nonetheless, a hobby stimulates one's central area invoking positive feelings. Hobbies make individuals gain the sense of pleasure, happiness and satisfaction. One of the best options for a hobby would be Yoga. This paper discusses three benefits of pursuing Yoga as a hobby which includes Physical Fitness, Health, and mental benefits.
Yoga is a widely practiced physical activity with an origin from the Hindu. The practice includes breath control simple meditation and some simple bodily postures that are practiced for health and relaxation. As a hobby, Yoga benefits an individual by boosting their health. For instance, at the cellular level, Yoga leads to changes in the gene expression which results in improved immunity. According to Domonell (2013), a recent Norwegian study found out that the changes in gene expression occurred while the Yoga participants were still upon their mats. The changes were also found to be significantly greater than that of a control group who went on a hike. More than just immunity, as an individual breathes better, they are also able to move and circulate better than before, making all their organs to achieve a good functionality (Domonell, 2013). Such improved functionality reduces migraines sufferings over time. Consequently, an individual is able to have a better sleep. People with insomnia stand a chance to benefit from improved quality of sleep. It reduces fatigue and is often very helpful for cancer patients who cannot find sleep. Additionally, improved blood flow into the body due to Yoga helps an individual with the ability to fight stress, anxiety and bodily fatigue.
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Secondly, pursuing Yoga as a hobby comes with associated physical benefits. Yoga as a physical activity has a relaxation technique that can lessen the chronic pains like the lower back pains and headaches. According to Yoga Alliance, (n.d.), studies show that practicing the Yoga Asanas posture, meditation or both reduces back pains, multiple sclerosis, neck pains among other physically related pains. Practicing Yoga involves moving one's body smoothly in dynamic postures. As such it leads to improved flexibility and mobility in an individual. When one practices Yoga, over time, their tendons and ligaments expand improving their elasticity. Moreover, a person who practices Yoga ends up having an increased strength due to the physical activities. Yoga Asana engages the use of all body muscles which literary increases an individual's strength from head to toe (Yoga Alliance, n.d.). A regular practice of Yoga also has the ability tot relieve one’s muscular tension throughout the entire body. The practice of Yoga helps in supporting weight loss an exercise that leads to overall physical fitness of a person. Many anecdotal and experiential evidence points out at Yoga as a significant practice in their weight loss journey. Yoga Alliance (n.d.) notes that a study from the journal of alternative therapies in health and medicine details that are regularly practicing Yoga is associated with less age-related weight gain. With Yoga as a hobby, one is destined to achieve an all-round fitness. It increases one’s energy. After a hectic training day, one often feels exhausted and worn out. However, even a few minutes of yoga practice would improve one's energy giving them a feeling of refreshment.
Thirdly, practicing Yoga as a hobby enables an individual to achieve Mental Benefits. Just a few minutes of Yoga after a stressful exercise can get rid of one’s mental stress freeing them. For instance, postures like Pranayama as well as meditation are very effective in releasing stress amongst those who practice Yoga. Similarly, the mediation exercises in Yoga can improve one’s intuition (American Osteopathic Association, n.d.). As such, an individual is effortlessly able to realize what they need to do and how leading to positive results in their endeavors. Moreover, one mentally achieves an inner peace after performing Yoga. The practice of Yoga as a hobby takes one to serene environment that is rich in natural beauty. It, therefore, gives an individual a mini vacation that enables one to calm their minds. According to American Osteopathic Association, (n.d.), a regular practice of Yoga leads to mental clarity and calmness. An individual also increases their body awareness relaxing their mind. As such, they can sharpen their concentration.
Yoga is just one of those activities that one should pursue as a hobby. Considering the rise in health problems associated with the lifestyle of today’s generation, the practice of Yoga offers immense benefits to those who undertake it. Yoga is a hobby that not only provides one with happiness, pleasure, and satisfaction as other hobbies but also focuses on an individual’s body tendency towards health and well-being. Yoga provides individuals with health benefits that includes weight management, immune boost, improved circulation, cardiovascular conditioning, and better breathing among other health benefits. Secondly, it leads to an individual’s physical fitness through weight management, increased strength and flexibility, and pain relief. Thirdly practicing Yoga as a hobby provides one with mental benefits like stress relief, inner peace, self-awareness. It is for these paramount benefits that Yoga becomes a hobby that one needs to pursue.
References
American Osteopathic Association . (n.d.). The Benefits of Yoga. osteopathic.org/osteopathic-health . Retrieved from http://www.osteopathic.org/osteopathic-health/about-your-health/health-conditions-library/general-health/Pages/yoga.aspx.
Domonell, K. (2013). 5 Surprising Health Benefits of Yoga . dailyburn.com . Retrieved from http://dailyburn.com/life/fitness/health-benefits-yoga/.
Yoga Alliance . (n.d.). Benefits of Yoga. yogaalliance.org . Retrieved from https://www.yogaalliance.org/learnaboutyoga/aboutyoga/benefitsofyoga.