9 Incredible Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Yoga

Have you ever thought about the benefits of yoga and what it could do to your mind and body?

As busy college students studying hard to accomplish your goals, sometimes your health takes a backseat to your life priorities, and so we are here to help!

Yoga originally began as a spiritual practice 5,000 years ago with roots tied to Indian philosophy. It now has become a popular way of promoting both physical and mental well-being.

According to the American Osteopathic Association, maintaining a regular yoga practice can provide many physical and mental health benefits.

1. Yoga improves strength, balance and flexibility.

Slow movements and deep breathing increase blood flow and warm up muscles, while holding a pose can build strength.

2. Yoga helps with back pain relief.

Yoga is as good as basic stretching for easing pain and improving mobility in people with lower back pain.

3. Yoga can ease arthritis symptoms.

Gentle yoga has been shown to ease some of the discomfort of tender, swollen joints for people with arthritis.

4. Yoga benefits heart health.

Regular yoga practice may reduce levels of stress and body inflammation, which contribute to healthier hearts. Several of the factors that add to heart disease, including high blood pressure and excess weight, can also be addressed through yoga.

5. Yoga relaxes you to help you sleep better.

Research shows that a consistent bedtime yoga routine can help you get in the right mindset and prepare your body to fall asleep and stay asleep.

6. Yoga can mean more energy and brighter moods.

You may feel increased mental and physical energy, a boost in alertness and enthusiasm and fewer negative feelings after getting into a routine of practicing yoga.

7. Yoga helps you manage stress.

According to the National Institutes of Health, scientific evidence shows that yoga supports stress management, mental health, mindfulness, healthy eating, weight loss and quality sleep.

8. Yoga connects you with a supportive community.

Participating in yoga classes can ease loneliness and provide an environment for group healing and support.

9. Yoga promotes better self-care.

The reality is that yoga teaches you to work with your body and mind as one. This puts them together in a much better state to maintain calm, and to deal with any stresses that we have to navigate throughout our day.

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Are you convinced now to give yoga a shot, or add it to your weekly routine?

Come try out a yoga class at Salt Lake Community College! Did you know that SLCC offers free drop-in yoga classes this summer on the Redwood Campus, Jordan Campus and South City Campus for students, faculty and staff? Check out the current yoga schedule below that runs until August 2, 2023.

MONDAYS

Jordan Campus- 10:30 -11:30 a.m., Yoga with Doug at JHS 003

TUESDAYS

Redwood Campus- 7- 8 p.m., Outdoor Yoga with Maddie in front of the science building (or LAC 124 if there is inclement weather)

South City Campus- 5:30 - 6:40 p.m., Yoga with James at SCM 2-128

WEDNESDAYS

Redwood Campus- 7- 8 p.m., Restorative Yoga with Maddie at LAC 124

THURSDAYS

Redwood Campus- 12 -1p.m., Yoga with Time at LAC 124

Evening class at 5:10 - 6 p.m., Yoga with Diana at LAC 124

Jordan Campus- 2-3 p.m., Yoga with Doug at JHS 003

South City Campus- 5:30 - 6:40 p.m., Yoga with James at SCM 2-128

Stay tuned as more classes will be announced on June 15th! We hope this information has enlightened you to make healthier choices and become a better bruin each day!