Meditation

8 WAYS MEDITATION CAN IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

•    Meditation reduces stress.
•    It improves concentration.
•    It encourages a healthy lifestyle.
•    The practice increases self-awareness.
•    It increases happiness.
•    Meditation increases acceptance.
•    It slows aging.
•    The practice benefits cardiovascular and immune health.
      –    Kristine Crane for US News/HUFFPOST

 

Yoga

PHYSICAL BENEFITS OF YOGA INCLUDE

•    Increased flexibility.
•    Increased muscle strength and tone.
•    Improved respiration, energy and vitality.
•    Maintaining a balanced metabolism.
•    Weight reduction.
•    Cardio and circulatory health.
•    Improved athletic performance.
•    Protection from injury.
     –    American Osteopathic Association

 

Yoga for Anxiety and depression

“For many patients dealing with depression, anxiety, or stress, yoga may be a very appealing way to better manage symptoms. Indeed, the scientific study of yoga demonstrates that mental and physical health are not just closely allied, but are essentially equivalent. The evidence is growing that yoga practice is a relatively low-risk, high-yield approach to improving overall health.”   
-Harvard Mental Health Letter

 

Mental benefits of yoga

“Aside from the physical benefits, one of the best benefits of yoga is how it helps a person manage stress, which is known to have devastating effects on the body and mind. “Stress can reveal itself in many ways, including back or neck pain, sleeping problems, headaches, drug abuse, and an inability to concentrate,” says Dr. Nevins. “Yoga can be very effective in developing coping skills and reaching a more positive outlook on life.”  Yoga’s incorporation of meditation and breathing can help improve a person’s mental well-being. “Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness; increases body awareness; relieves chronic stress patterns; relaxes the mind; centers attention; and sharpens concentration,” says Dr. Nevins. Body- and self-awareness are particularly beneficial.  – American Osteopathic Association

 

Mantra

man·tra
/ˈmantrə/
noun
(originally in Hinduism and Buddhism) a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation.

The following are mantras for Self-love & Happiness - by yogatoheal.org

  • I love myself. I am a beautiful, unique spirit. There is no one else quite like me.

  • I am worthy of good things. It is ok to want the best for myself and to pursue the things that bring me joy and happiness.

  • I can choose positive thoughts. I understand the power of my self-talk and choose to select thoughts that are uplifting and positive.

  • My life is moving forward perfectly. Each bump in the road is there for a reason. Everything is happening according to a greater plan.

  • I am confident in my decisions. I am the creator of my own destiny. I stand behind the things I do and say.

  • Everyday is a new beginning.

  • I am thankful.

  • I am in control of my actions & emotions.

  • I make time to nourish my mind, body, and spirit.

  • I know who I am and I am enough, I radiate with light from within.

  • I will love myself exactly how I am.

  • I know with time and effort I can achieve. I will focus on progress rather than perfection.