We are living in a world of high stress, overburdened with work, but with reduced physical activity. While our minds are occupied at all times, we hardly get any time to work our bodies. This has resulted in an increase in lifestyle-related illnesses across the world. Sitting through the day on the computer not only stresses our mental peace but also impacts our physical health.
Of all the lifestyle illnesses that the world is dealing with, weight gain and associated diseases are the most common of them all. An unhealthy diet, late-night snacking, consuming processed food that is high in sugar content, pre-cooked or pre-prepared meals etc have made weight gain a global epidemic. The sheer amount of people suffering from this physical illness globally is scary, to say the least.
While we all try to include some or the other form of exercise in our daily routines, hitting the gym, going for a walk or a jog or following any other form of physical activity might not always lend you the right results, or just provide limited relief. However, yoga is one practice that provides a holistic improvement to your body, making weight loss through yoga really effective.
The art and science of yoga have been shown to be a highly effective tool for weight loss and management, especially for individuals struggling with obesity. Not just that, it enhances your mental peace, releases stress and amounts to better mental and physical harmony.
Here are some key points to consider when incorporating yoga for weight loss, even for beginners:
Increases physical activity: Yoga is a form of physical activity that can help increase metabolism and burn calories. Certain yoga postures, such as sun salutations, warrior poses, and downward-facing-dog can help build muscle strength and increase flexibility, further boosting metabolism and aiding in weight loss. When your muscles and the core are activated, they become more agile in fighting illnesses and build body strength, making you less susceptible to diseases. You will also feel more agile and fresh at all times, improving your mental energy and enhancing the feel-good factor.
Promotes mindfulness and stress reduction: In addition to its physical benefits, yoga has a strong emphasis on mindfulness and stress reduction. Regular yoga practice can help individuals become more aware of their eating habits and prevent overeating, which is often a result of emotional eating and stress. One of the main philosophies of yoga is creating a harmonious state between the body and mind. This is achieved through deep breathing, activating and massaging the right areas in our bodies, meditative poses and a lot more. Keeping stress at bay is one of the best remedies for weight loss. A relaxed and peaceful body processes bodily functions better, making it fitter.
Supports good sleep habits: Quality sleep is important for maintaining a healthy weight, and studies have shown that regular yoga practice can improve sleep quality. Yoga helps to reduce stress and calm the mind, making it easier to fall and stay asleep. Yoga helps in better sleep in many other ways. It increases mindfulness, which releases melatonin, a hormone that reduces sleep disturbances. Yoga regulates breathing, helping the body with more oxygen and attaining a relaxed state. Regular exercise is always a precursor to good sleep.
While yoga helps people of all age groups sleep better, it is especially helpful to adult women and elderly people. Women, after a certain age, find it difficult to get good quality sleep (many studies support this claim) and so do elderly people. However, practicing yoga can result in better relaxation of the mind and the body, making it easier to attain sound sleep. Remember, quality of sleep is more important than quantity.
Enhances body positivity: The practice of yoga can also help individuals develop a positive relationship with their bodies. This is important for people who have struggled with weight loss or body image issues in the past, as it can help establish a healthier relationship with food and exercise, further aiding in weight loss efforts. However, one of the most important things that yoga does to practitioners is make them aware of how their bodies feel rather than how they look. Yoga also encourages mindfulness, which concentrates on being non-judgemental and accepting people as they are. Self-compassion, spiritual awakening, and a harmonious existence all encourage positive body image. It is important for yoga teachers to inculcate these feelings in their students. They should turn their focus to look beyond how the body looks and concentrate on the positive impact yoga has on the health of the body and mind. This will create a culture of respecting every individual for who they are rather than emphasizing how they should be.
Starting with a gentle yoga routine is recommended for beginners. A simple routine, such as Sun-Salutation, can help individuals build strength, flexibility, and body awareness, making it a suitable set of yoga poses for beginners for weight loss.
