The Benefits of Yoga 
As my eyes flicker open, and I resist the urge to push the snooze button on my alarm, I am reminded that if I don’t wake up early then my chance of getting in a yoga workout is slim to none. If I awake at 6am, then I can bask in the glory of silence and stillness as I practice, and learn and grow in my yoga practice. What makes waking up early so worth it in order to practice yoga? The benefits of yoga are many, but a few include: release of endorphins, strengthening the entire body, and stress reduction.
Releasing Endorphins 
Most exercises can become quite addictive when done regularly, but part of this is because of the release of endorphins. These hormones help to boost mood, which makes beginning the day with exercise mentally healthy choice.
Strengthening the Body 
Stronger bodies tend to stay stronger, and tend to perform better throughout the day. As an added bonus, the higher the muscle mass, the higher the metabolism. This means that the body burns more calories while at rest. While although losing weight may not be the main reason to begin a yoga practice, it is side benefit.
Stress Relief 
Most yoga routines end with what is called savasana. This is also sometimes called corpse pose, or nap pose. This is the part of the routine where you are able to rest and relax. Savasana not only lowers the amount of stress that you physically experience, but so does the breathing patterns. Breathing deep is a great way in which to calm the body down. In fact, since I began practicing yoga, I find myself automatically breathing in through the nose and out through my mouth slowly when I am stressed.
This goes along with the catchphrase between my children and I that we discovered in the Dinotopia audiobook. I say, “Breathe deep,” and they reply with, “Seek Peace.
So, breathe deep, seek peace, and namaste.