Yoga is a great way to reduce stress. High stress levels can cause physical and emotional problems. Yoga teaches you to practice deep breathing and slow movements while promoting greater equanimity. It also helps to reduce the level of cortisol in your blood. High cortisol is associated with a fight, flight or freeze response and is linked to depression and anxiety. Yoga can also help reduce your risk of heart disease.

Another benefit of yoga is improved flexibility. It may take you a few weeks of practice to reach your toes or perform a backbend, but over time, you will notice that your muscles become looser and your aches and pains begin to go away. Inflexibility can cause poor posture and niggling injuries, so yoga helps relieve some of these issues and make your body feel better.

The reclining goddess pose is another beneficial yoga pose. Also known as Supta Baddha Konasana, this pose promotes deep relaxation. To make this pose easier to achieve, use a bolster underneath your back to support yourself. This pose can be held for longer periods of time if necessary.

Aside from improving physical health, yoga can also help you manage your stress levels. Yoga can help you get a more positive outlook on life, making you kinder to your loved ones. In addition, it can reduce your blood pressure, increase your energy levels, and improve your sleep quality. Yoga also helps you achieve a calm and meditative state, which can help you manage your stress levels.

Chanting is another common aspect of yoga practice. In the West, chanting is not commonly done, and many people are intimidated by the sounds and chants. But in the ancient traditions of Hatha yoga, it’s common. It’s important to find a yoga practice that suits your needs.

A good yoga teacher should be experienced and knowledgeable in the subject of mindfulness. Danny Arguetty has been teaching people for over 10 years and is a mindfulness program manager at the University of Washington. He is the author of Nourishing the Teacher and The Six Qualities of Consciousness. He has extensive experience in group facilitation, one-on-one coaching, and experiential teaching.