Relaxing Effects of Yoga

As dramatic as it may sound, for many of us, it has become difficult to relax. We are under constant stress. Life is an endless list of chores and downtime feels like a luxury.

One of the most tangible and instant benefits of yoga is that it helps us relax.

Relaxation is integral to the practice of yoga. There are many elements that come together to help us wind down both mentally and physically.

Breath plays a huge role, and many of the instructions in a yoga class are just around how to breathe.

Then, a yoga class almost always ends with relaxation. The final pose of savasana, literally corpse pose, is lying down still, doing nothing, simply being.

Here are some of the ways in which yoga creates mindfulness, stimulates our relaxation response, and decreases stress and anxiety.

1. Yoga enables us to be present. 

Yoga allows us to rest in the present moment by maintaining contact with the physical body. The body is always in the present. Yoga is conscious awareness of both body and breath.

This keen awareness keeps us in the here and now. It requires from us that we let go of memories of the past and concerns about the future.

The mindfulness created through yoga helps us relax into the as is.

2. Yoga soothes our emotions.

Our minds are constantly in flux. One of the definitions of yoga is that it stops the mind from fluctuating.

Yoga has a direct effect on one's state of mind. It enables the breath to slow down, which sends a signal to the brain that it is ok to relax. The body becomes less tense and releases any tension or stress it might be holding.

This has a soothing effect on any agitations and emotional upheavals we might be feeling.

Yoga also helps in improving blood circulation, regulating hormonal balance, regenerating the organs, and calming the nervous system. All of these go a long way in developing emotional stability.

3. The body learns to release stress

Yoga helps develop a stronger body mind connection. Since most movement is aligned with breath, with every posture, the mind begins to work in sync with the body.

This helps strengthen the capacity of the mind to pick cues from the body and it becomes easier to register feelings of pain, unease, and discomfort.

Once we become aware of what we are holding in the body, it becomes possible to release it. Slowly, the body begins to open, parts that are stiff begin to loosen, and any stored pain and tension are released.

Also, yoga helps increase the flow of oxygenated blood to the muscles of the body, which begin to then release accumulated tension and soften.
This helps to deeply relax the body.

4. Yoga helps with self-acceptance  

The one constant advice in any yoga class is to respect our limitations. At the same time, yoga gives us a chance at self-care. It helps us recognize our needs and respect them.

The time that we spend on the mat is a time when we are solely with ourselves. We become intimately connected to the inner self in all its authenticity.

When we are able to accept the limits of our bodies and minds, we become more relaxed about who we are. Yoga teaches us to not force but to respect. In meeting us where we are, yoga helps us see the beauty in who we are today.

This ability to be non-judgmental, to create more space in the heart for the self, and becoming comfortable with our vulnerabilities is what creates physical, emotional, and mental relaxation.

Parting thoughts

Yoga helps us become our best selves while keeping love and compassion for the present self. It takes pressure off us to be anything other than who we are. There can be nothing more relaxing than the belief that we are complete.

Looking to transform your life? Our Astro Yoga Experience introduces you to yoga philosophy, mindfulness, spirituality, and astrology – everything that you need to lead a more fulfilling life.