During the last decade, the world has shown a huge inclination towards yoga. The shift in mind-set had already started, as many were already aware of the ancient science and associated knowledge. The pandemic cemented the belief that yoga can actually help in both preventative maintenance and disease management. Today, medical professionals also advise patients to choose yoga as an alternative mode of treatment, alongside Western medicine. You will come across different retreat courses that start from a minimum duration of 3 days being held in places like Rishikesh. There are many who aim to become yoga teachers, and for them, there is the 200 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh. 

You can check the vast variety of yoga programs offered by Gurukul Yogashala, which is the oldest yoga school in the region. If you delve into their courses, you will find retreats of various durations and full-fledged yoga courses for teachers as well. Gurukul Yogashala is the oldest Ashtanga yoga school in Rishikesh offering the best 200 hour ashtanga yoga teacher training in India. So, if you want to ride the yoga wave, then this is the place to be. 

What Is Yoga?

But, before we get into the myriad benefits that yoga offers, you must know what it is all about. Yoga is not just limited to the inversions, twists, forward bends, and shoulder stands that we all grew up seeing. It delves deeper than these. Yoga also comprises various practices such as Pranayama, meditation, and Kriyas. The best thing about yoga is that anyone can do it, irrespective of background and religion. Yoga is deeply spiritual in nature, and also has a huge emotional and mental impact. Moreover, it is on and above the physical postures or breath, as well. 

True yoga will help you to move towards a greater union, of that of the self and the universe. Additionally, it also depicts the union of the male and female energies that rule every object in the universe. According to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, there are eight limbs, which if embraced, can help you to lead a fruitful and worry-free life. If you happen to join the best yoga teacher training course in Rishikesh, at Gurukul Yogashala, then you will quickly realize the benefits. 

If you practice yoga daily, then you can live a healthy life for a long time, devoid of any disease. Yoga can impact us on different planes. Find out more about that here. 

Physical Benefits Of Yoga 

• Yoga is one of the best exercises, for the development of flexibility. It can stretch your muscles and make you less tired. You will soon start noticing the benefits, once you keep doing yoga practice regularly. If you want to see the benefits right away, you can join a yoga teacher training course in India. Gurukul Yogashala organizes short-term retreat programs as well, which can give you instant benefits in the way you look and feel. 
• Strength building is another advantage that you get in the realm of yoga, without hitting the gym. Hatha Yoga happens to be the perfect anecdote for it. It establishes the ground for yoga practice, while balancing and stabilizing as well. 
• You can correct your posture, through the practice of yoga. Most people work at a desk during office hours, which leads to postural problems. A retreat course can help you get the same right, under the proper guidance of the teachers at Gurukul Yogashala, which offers the best yoga retreat program in Rishikesh. 

Mental Or Psychological Benefits Of Yoga 

Yoga activities like asana, breathing, and meditation can have profound effects on mental and psychological health. According to various studies, yoga practices have proven beneficial in the below cases. 

• When you practice yoga, happy hormones are released from the brain. These mood- boosting chemicals are dopamine and serotonin, among others. You must be wondering, how it is so, when yoga movements are so slow and controlling? So, in reality, yoga movements may be controlled, but they elevate the heart rate. Thus, stimulating the release of brain chemicals. 
• You will also hear about doctors asking mental patients to get yoga therapy. In fact, there is a separate stream altogether, which is called Yoga-Psychotherapy, which deals with mental issues. It is believed to relieve depression to a huge extent. 
• Yoga practice also reduces stress levels. And that is probably why so many individuals are travelling to Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital, globally, to indulge in yoga for a few days at a stretch. The tightening and relaxing activity of the muscles contributes towards relaxation. 
• Yoga practice regularly can also ease anxiety. Deep breathing is one of the methods that help in controlling anxiety. 
• You will also be able to get rid of sleep issues, if you practice yoga regularly. The best way to learn the exact processes is from a trained yoga teacher, through a yoga certification course in Rishikesh. 

Gurukul Yogashala, the best yoga school in Rishikesh, India can help you to adopt a yogic lifestyle, which is beneficial for both your physical and mental health. But wait! There is a third side to it, as well. Yes, we are talking about the spiritual side.