You’ve heard about the benefits of yoga over and over, and year and year after, you promise yourself you will start it this time around.

Sometimes you cross someone doing yoga in the park or see photos of people looking super fresh in the middle of a stretch, and you think, ‘This is what I need!’

But then, being lazy as we all are, we keep telling ourselves we have no time, and even convince ourselves that we probably don’t benefit from practicing yoga when done on an irregular basis.

One thing you need to stop doing right now is to stop believing that you can’t do it. No one said you need to be super flexible or be able to touch your toes. No matter what your physical capabilities, your gender or your age is, you just need to get going!

You probably already know the major reasons why yoga is great for your health, but here are 10 reasons to really motivate you, throw all the excuses in the trash can, and kick-start your healthy lifestyle today!

#1 Better Balance

You might not think you need this, but your general body balance may be hampered by your daily lifestyle.

A good test is to close your eyes, out stretch your arms and stand on one leg. If you can’t help but fall, you need to work on your strength.

Yoga is so effective in improving this that it is a common way of regaining balance in patients who suffer from strokes

#2 Less Aches

Do you ever feel like you have back and leg pains that are not proportionate to your age? While your chronological age might be lesser, your body can be ageing faster.

To avoid problems like arthritis and backaches, yoga can be useful.

You will never again have to hold your knees and support yourself with your arms when you stand up!

#3 Increased Strength

Do you find it difficult to lift heavy things? Do your muscles give up easily and get extremely sore after a basic workout or a long day? This is because your muscular strength is poor. Yoga is automatic muscle training, so you will find it easier to do everyday tasks.

#4 Increased Stamina

While you are at it, you will also be able to be more productive in your everyday life without getting tired too fast. A long day at work will be easier to handle and a long walk will be a piece of cake! Also, you won’t pant at the end of a flight of stairs.

#5 Better Breathing

Yoga regulates your cardiovascular and circulatory health, so you will find it easier to breathe properly. Poor cardio health is also the reason why people lose their breath too fast or feel suffocated in a small room, and all of this can be avoided with a healthy morning yoga routine.

#6 Resistance Against Injury

Sometimes, you might get up too quickly or suddenly move your head and the next thing you know, your muscles are sore for days! This is because they are not used to stretching and need better flexibility, which you do not give any time to.

Sharper concentration

Staying wide awake throughout the day is something many of us find difficult to do. However, even when you start with a few basic morning yoga stretches, you will find it easier to stay up during classes and meetings, and will finish intricate work faster.

Weight loss Yoga is a complete body workout that does not wear you out but still burns a lot of calories. It also keeps your metabolism regulated, so that the food you consume burns fast and you lose weight, if need be.

Less stress You will be surprised at the ways stress manifests itself. Finding it difficult to sleep, feeling tired or even having an upset stomach can be a sign of stress. With a yoga routine, endorphins are released, which are pleasure inducing hormones. You will feel all the toxins exiting your body, leaving you fresher and stress-free.

A happier mind! Yoga is not a mere exercise; it is a lifestyle. When you take some time out for yourself every day, relax your body and calm yourself down, you will generally feel more positive, have an optimistic outlook towards life, and generally feel happier!