The benefits of yoga: how long does it take?

There is much more in yoga than what the eyes see. The benefits and effects of yoga on an individual are much more than a physical change, a flexible body and toned muscles. Flexibility and strength in life outside the mat are also and above all manifested.

What you experience on the mat you learn and you begin to learn even outside. Yoga is the art of learning more and more about yourself and others and putting it into practice to improve yourself. Yoga is the “martial” art that helps in the daily challenges of life. In this article we answer a question that those who practice often ask themselves: the benefits of yoga: after how long are they obtained? Let’s see together the physical and psychological benefits in the short, medium and long term.

Yoga, the psychological benefits

In the practice of asana , pranayama and meditation the effect is immediate. You feel better, calmer and more stable, without mood swings and more flexible. As the months go by, what you discover is a change of point of view, you accept the present more and feel more gratitude . Opening your eyes to a much broader perspective. Yoga teaches that we are all different and that we are all the same. In this vision, each person is special and each person is unique, and therefore wonderful.

So it’s not just physical practice on the mat, but it enters life without even realizing it . The psychological benefits of yoga are truly numerous . The body and mind react spontaneously and we often notice the result and the effects only after a long time. But what changes and how the body responds begins with the first lesson.

Yoga, the scientific benefits

For many years now, it has been proven by science that yoga is good for the body and mind and helps relieve many chronic symptoms. Among the numerous studies carried out we report the research of the Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, according to which yoga contributes to protect against the risk of heart disease and that of the metabolic syndrome .

It has been found, in fact, that those who practice yoga have a lower risk of obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. How come? The reason is immediately stated: asanas that develop strength, flexibility and improve breathing lead to a reduction in blood pressure.

We also remember that yoga is effective against headaches , insomnia and menstrual pain . In addition, it prevents many of the typical discomforts of menopause .

Benefits of yoga, after how long

Now let’s see in detail the benefits and effects of yoga in the short, medium and long term.

The short-term benefits of yoga

What happens after a yoga class :

  • increases concentration;
  • stress is reduced ;
  • decreases body stiffness;
  • increases flexibility;
  • improve brain functions such as memory and learning ability;
  • the body relaxes;
  • the heart beats lighter.

When you begin to notice that going to yoga class feels good, the consistency and weekly participation often makes you yearn for the next class and you begin to notice more and more effects.

The benefits of yoga in the medium term

After a few months of practice , yoga gives much more:

  • rebalances blood pressure;
  • improves lung capacity to breathe more deeply;
  • improves sexuality by helping to solve problems related to the reproductive system;
  • reduces chronic pain and back pain ;
  • decreases anxiety and depression ;
  • improves balance;
  • the nervous system improves its functions by calming the body and physical tension;
  • the glands reduce the production of cortisol , the stress hormone that causes cravings for junk food;
  • muscles become more toned;
  • the abdomen is refined as each position uses the abdominal muscles ( read here: how to develop abdominals with yoga ) losing the belly that accumulates helping to lose centimeters in the center of the waist;
  • improves flexibility by being able to perform positions that were previously not accessible;
  • virtues such as calm and patience are strengthened;
  • improves the perception of the body by paying more attention to what you eat;
  • the body becomes stronger and cleaner, inside and out;
  • helps discipline.

The long-term benefits of yoga

After a few years of yoga , the practice helps to improve the performance of the body and mind from every point of view with many other enormous benefits:

  • a constant weight is achieved without exaggerated oscillations;
  • the bones are strengthened, decreasing the risk of osteoporosis and arthritis ;
  • decreases the risk of disease;
  • reduces heart problems;
  • the brain gains more control over fear and anger;
  • you learn to let go of what is no longer needed, both physically by moving deeper into asanas every day and off the mat by letting go of stress and unpleasant emotions;
  • the massage obtained thanks to the asanas on the organs gives an organism that renews and rejuvenates itself every day;
  • the energy and positive vibration that is transmitted is also felt by others.

There are many benefits of yoga and this is why it is very often recommended by doctors as an integral part of therapy and healing. By the way, yoga is for everyone , it is suitable for everyone and everyone can benefit from it. Whether it’s just to move around a bit, to recover from a physical or emotional trauma, to lose weight: no matter who you are or for what reason you arrive on the mat, the benefits are guaranteed.

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