| The practice of yoga and meditation go hand in hand. | | | | People who do both practices notice an increase in |
| Both practices date back thousands of years and are | | | | creativity, improved memory, a better feeling of |
| interconnected. Yoga incorporates the positive | | | | stability, and they are quite simply happier. The |
| effects of meditation on both the body and mind. | | | | calmness that comes over the mind, and literally |
| Physiological Benefits of Yoga and Meditation | | | | calms the body is unlike other forms of relaxation. |
| Performing a regular yoga meditation routine has | | | | When and Where to Practice Yoga with Meditation |
| many positive physiological effects on the body: | | | | Both are practices you either do separately or |
| - There is a notable decrease in blood pressure and | | | | together. As you hold a yoga pose and move into |
| heart rate. | | | | the next, breathing slow and deep is a must. This |
| - The metabolic rate decreases as does the stress | | | | increases your oxygen and allows you to stretch |
| hormone cortisol. | | | | further. It also helps calm the mind as you quiet |
| - Cholesterol is lowered through yoga and breathing | | | | everything internally and focus on your movements. |
| becomes easier for those who have asthma. | | | | You can practice yoga meditation in the privacy of |
| - If you suffer from any kind of persistent pain, | | | | your own home or a class where others are enjoying |
| doing these practices release endorphins that naturally | | | | the same benefits. You need to be in a place where |
| ease pain. | | | | you feel comfortable and have enough room to |
| - Both practices give the immune system a boost, | | | | stretch fully. The quieter the spot for yoga |
| helping guard you against disease. | | | | meditation, the better you will be able to focus. |
| You will also be able to stabilize your metabolism if | | | | You should wear comfortable and loose fitting |
| you practice yoga with meditation. The digestive | | | | clothing. Unlike other forms of exercise, you do not |
| system even runs smoother when you do both or | | | | need any special equipment, and the yoga meditation |
| either of these ancient practices. Yoga strengthens | | | | techniques are not difficult. It is recommended you |
| the body and allows for more flexibility. Meditation | | | | do both of these barefoot. You can invest in a yoga |
| strengthens and clears the mind simultaneously. | | | | mat, but a blanket or towel also works well for yoga |
| Together, they have limitless positive effects on the | | | | and meditation. Morning is the best time of the day |
| body. | | | | for yoga and meditation as most people have clearer |
| Psychological Benefits of Yoga and Meditation | | | | minds and are the least stressed or distracted. You |
| Psychologically, more and more people are beginning | | | | are also more likely to have an empty stomach in the |
| to see how yoga meditation can help everyone live a | | | | morning. |
| little bit better. For those who experience anxiety or | | | | While all forms of exercise lifts the spirits and helps |
| depression, as well as panic attacks, meditating and | | | | the body, yoga and meditation lead to deeper |
| practicing yoga on a regular basis can alleviate many | | | | spiritual growth over time. The positive effects that |
| symptoms. Once you do these practices on a regular | | | | transcend the stress put on the body and mind can |
| basis, you carry the positive effects with you long | | | | help you deal with anything life brings your way. |
| after you are done stretching and chanting a mantra. | | | | |