10 Benefits of Practicing Yoga in Summer

BY A STAFF REPORTER: The world is gearing up for the 10th International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2024. The goal of the day is to educate the world about the benefits of practicing yoga. There is a reason behind choosing June 21 as Yoga Day which is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This day has special significance in many cultures and is considered very auspicious in the yoga tradition.

This year's theme is "Yoga for Self and Society". People celebrate this day to recognize and appreciate the benefits of yoga and contribute to a more aware and healthier global community. Use this day to understand the amazing benefits of doing yoga, especially during the summer.

1. Improved flexibility: Yoga involves a lot of poses that increase the range of motion in the joints. Increased flexibility reduces the risk of injury, reduces muscle tension, and improves posture. In summer, warmer temperatures help relax muscles more easily, making stretching more effective and safer.

2. Enhanced Circulation: Different yoga poses and sequences encourage blood flow by stretching and contracting different muscle groups. It also improves blood circulation by ensuring more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the cells, it ultimately enhances overall organ function.

3. Stress reduction: Some breathing exercises like pranayama and meditation activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation. It reduces stress levels and reduces cortisol production, lowers blood pressure, and increases mental clarity.

4. Heart health: Yoga is also very good for heart health and reduces levels of stress and body-wide inflammation, which contribute to a healthy heart. Several factors contribute to heart disease, including high blood pressure and weight, all of which can be solved through yoga. 

5. Helps you sleep better: According to some research, a consistent bedtime yoga routine can help you get into the right mindset and help your body fall asleep on time and keep you asleep.

6. Detoxification: The yoga pose consists of a twisting and contraction massage of the internal organs that helps in removing toxins. Detoxification improves the function of the organs, especially the liver and kidneys, which are vital for filtering toxins from the blood. 

7. Weight management: Active yoga styles like Vinyasa or Power Yoga can help increase the heart rate and reduce calories. Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. 

8. Stress Management: According to the National Institutes of Health, yoga supports stress management, mindfulness, weight loss, healthy eating, mental health, and most importantly quality sleep.

9. Hydration Awareness: Practicing yoga, especially in the heat, increases awareness about the body's hydration requirements. Staying properly hydrated is crucial for physical activities that include digestion, temperature regulation, and joint lubrication.