I love being a woman, but there are definitely challenging seasons. I have survived challenges in my life by consistently taking time for myself on my yoga mat –and I believe that a yoga practice can benefit you in so many ways. My favorite pose Savasana, final rest, is even sweeter with Zoe. Our retreats are for ALL women – no yoga experience is needed. Discover the power of yoga, when you join us for a retreat.

As women, there are many ways to approach living a healthier lifestyle. Developing a consistent yoga practice is one of them. For those of us who have already begun our yoga journey, we rolled out our mats for the first time for various, and often very personal, reasons. For some women, the practice begins as physical: we need to add movement and activity to our lives or have a tangible, physiological goal in mind. For others, we’d been advised that yoga can help alleviate stress, promote better sleep, or reduce anxiety.

Whether you’re in the early stages of your yoga journey or have been practicing daily for 10 years, the practice has the power to positively impact your health and well-being in many ways.

Benefit 1: Enjoy Relief from Stress and Anxiety

Women who practice yoga on a consistent basis may notice, over time, a general reduction in their overall level of stress. In a clinical study on the effects of yoga on depression and anxiety in women, results showed that practicing yoga for 90 minutes, twice a week, for just two months resulted in a significant reduction in anxiety. For those of us who struggle with anxiety, this can be a powerful, simple, and natural way to manage it.

Benefit 2: Find Balance From the Effects of Your Hormones

While all women are affected differently by their menstrual cycles or menopause, the effects of yoga during times of hormonal fluctuation are positive. Some women may experience only physical changes during times of hormonal imbalance – cramping, fatigue, and hot flashes, to name a few – while others may find themselves dealing with mood swings, unpredictably high and low energy levels, and even insomnia.

The simple act of breathing through physical and emotional discomfort related to hormonal fluctuations can reduce negative effects.

The mental focus and clarity from a yoga practice may help women find peace during times that feel overwhelming, tumultuous, or out of control.

Benefit 3: Discover Physical Strength, Balance and Flexibility

Stress relief and emotional health alone are two powerful reasons to develop a consistent yoga practice. The physical benefits – improved strength, balance, and flexibility – are life changing. A consistent practice helps develop heightened body awareness, which naturally leads to better posture – something many people (not just women!) struggle with in the modern environment of sitting in front of computers for most of the work day.

For those with concerns about maintaining healthy weight, scientific research has shown practicing yoga at least once a week for a minimum of four years  can minimize weight gain during middle age. While not all styles of yoga burn large amounts of calories, developing a mindful approach to health (eating habits, sleep, physical activity and more) is a result of practicing any form of yoga.

For women seeking healthy and more balanced lives, a consistent yoga practice is a great way to address both the physical and mental challenges that we face throughout life.

At Retreat in the Pines, we love to share the power of  a yoga practice with our guests, in hopes they too will discover the amazing health benefits of yoga for themselves. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more, or for information about any of our upcoming retreats.

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This blog is intended to provide helpful suggestions for self care and overall well-being. I am not a mental health professional. If you’re struggling I encourage you to seek the help of a professional. Find a Mental Health Professional | National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988