Discover the benefits of yoga to relieve stress Supporting a stress free work environment:

In today's busy and stressful world, more and more people are accepting the ancient relaxation of yoga as a source of natural stress relief. All natural and with no negative side effects, the great advantage of this time-honoured and proven practise is that it is a safe way for anyone of any age or physical ability to improve their health and relieve stress. In recent years, yoga has become the new inexpensive way to relieve stress. It can be practised anywhere and at any time, without relying on expensive equipment or gym memberships.

Even though many people start out by taking a beginner's class, it can be learned easily at home. So if you are a busy parent or feeling insecure about taking a class, there are library books, internet articles and YouTube videos to provide free instruction in the privacy of your own home. The only things you will need are a yoga mat, some comfortable clothes and a few square feet of space.

First and foremost, yoga helps you feel stronger and relieves tension, aches and pains in your joints. Often the body becomes so used to these stresses that we don't even recognise that we exist in a constant state of tension. Because yoga offers respite from these health problems it is quickly becoming the most popular exercise choice for all generations. Seniors are discovering the many benefits of yoga to help relieve painful arthritis and stiff joints. Prenatal yoga helps mothers to become more flexible, so they can have an easier natural birth.

Stronger and healthier people can advance to yoga that also provides a challenging work out and builds strength. There are many different types of yoga that can address specific health concerns, reduce the effects of aging and build strength and endurance. By helping you to feel stronger and healthier, yoga prepares you to take on the challenges of life with less effort and greater ease.

Yoga provides a holistic approach to all aspects of life. The word "Yoga" means "to unite" and practising yoga brings together physical, mental and spiritual health. Combining body, mind and soul to consider the whole person and create harmony so that improvements to health in one area of your life do not come at the cost of your inner peace and well-being. Learning to practise yoga properly requires a lot of patience; however the benefits are almost instant. Many people feel relief and relaxation after the very first session.

One of the great things about yoga is that the more out of shape or stressed out you are, the more quickly you begin to notice the benefits of what you practise. For people under a great deal of anxiety, yoga's deep breathing and relaxed stretches provide an instant relief of stress, as if being relieved of a great weight. Over the first few weeks, new yoga learners notice increased flexibility, muscle tone, stress reduction and relief of pain and tension.

With yoga, coping with everyday stressful situations becomes much easier because of the endorphins that are released by the brain after each session. Deep, relaxed breathing and gentle but challenging stretches relieve your body of toxins and increase the oxygen flowing through your blood. This exchange of bad air for good changes the flow of energy through your body, leaving you to feel relaxed and invigorated instead of stressed out and pressured. Yoga will quickly become ingrained into your daily routine , practicing deep breathing techniques will become second nature to you and replace old stressful habits. Yoga provides a lifestyle that focuses on positive choices. Many people who practise yoga eventually choose to eliminate some of the negative influences of modern life. They eat healthier and more wholesome foods and reject drugs or toxins that increase their problems. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, yoga offers an achievable form of exercise and helps to build the strength and confidence you need in order to progress to a more active lifestyle.

Best of all, yoga offers relief for people who are constantly busy and overwhelmed with interruptions and responsibilities. The time that yoga enthusiasts set aside each day may be the only time that they have completely to themselves. For parents and care providers, yoga time may be the only time where they can focus on their health and wellness ahead of all the other people they provide for. It's a time to empty your head of cluttered thoughts and focus on breathing and exercise so that you can recharge and let go of all your worries and find focus. Yoga creates a calmer state of mind and a more peaceful attitude that gives you the strength and resolve to deal with life's challenges.