The Emotional Benefits of Yoga

You’re probably aware of the many physical benefits yoga offers, such as enhanced strength and flexibility, but have you considered how this ancient practice may support your emotional health as well?

Among other benefits, maintaining a consistent yoga practice promotes greater emotional regulation, allowing you to cope with your feelings constructively and respond to situations appropriately.

Yoga directly activates your relaxation response via the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which governs the body’s “rest and digest” functions, acting as the counterbalance to the stress-driven sympathetic (“fight or flight”) system.

Yoga also supports mindfulness―a calming, centering practice of nonjudgmental attentiveness that lets you approach events and experiences in a highly receptive manner. For a deeper dive into the holistic benefits of yoga, check out our Yoga FAQs.