Why Yoga Matters

I began my yoga journey in my 40th year and am very appreciative of its benefits.

I now encourage my clients to explore yoga as a viable option to help alleviate emotional/psychological discomforts and improve overall feelings of well being.

Some of my clients are surprised at such a “simple” suggestion, and some explain that they already exercise regularly. However, when I share my own journey and positive experience with yoga many are now adding yoga to their life. Some clients are ready and willing to try anything in order to relieve their discomfort.

Are you ready for more happiness?

The practice of yoga truly has a positive effect on every cell of your body. The various poses performed in yoga move your body's muscles, organs, and fluids in such a way that every aspect of your health benefits.

Yoga goes far beyond the physical realm of positive benefits. The neurological benefits of yoga are equally, if not, more profoundly beneficial. As a happiness expert I must share with you this information or I would be remiss.

With the practice of yoga, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is stimulated and this results in the SNS (sympathetic nervous system) being turned off. The PNS is the neurological part of the brain's make up that functions when calmness and peace of mind is felt. The release of stress hormones is reduced and the functions of the body and mind stabilize.

The benefits of a regular practice.

With a regular practice of yoga, the maintenance of keeping the mindset in the PNS mode enables your memory, cognitive abilities, concentration, balance, and positive thinking to improve. Also, if you suffer depression, it could be due to low levels of serotonin, which is a chemical that is naturally released to keep you stabilized.

By having the mind in the PNS state more often than not, the release of serotonin can be stabilized. Some people who practice yoga who used to be on anti-depressants no longer need them. I know the practice of Yoga has helped me immensely.

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have found that practicing yoga may elevate brain gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) levels, the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. With this in mind I suggest that the practice of yoga be explored as a possible treatment for depression, which is associated with low GABA levels.

It is my goal to offer happiness increasing tips and tools to you so that you too can experience more joy in your life. Here's to your increased happiness!