From the very beginning, humans have been driven by one simple yet complex motivation: happiness. But, what is the meaning of happiness? The Oxford Dictionary defines it as a feeling or expression that denotes pleasure or satisfaction. However, we know that true happiness is more than a laugh or two. This is a state where contentment and gratitude are more sustainable in our lives. This motivation wakes up every morning and gives you a reason to start a new day.
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Is it true that yoga can make us happy?
A study shows that the practice of yoga has a positive effect on a person’s happiness. Through a survey by bookyogaretreats of more than 650 people who have practiced yoga, they understand the impact it has on their daily lives.
There are 88.4% of people agree that yoga has increased their happiness. While 59% strongly believe that yoga really helps them feel better and happier. And when we feel happy, everything around us changes too, and overall there are 61.5% of respondents who do not doubt that yoga has completely changed their lives.
And usually yogis (people who are experts in yoga) feel their lives are much happier. 51% of people who are experts in yoga at a higher level say their happiness is at level 5 on a scale of 1 to 5. And 37% rate their happiness as being at level 4. On average, 88% of yogis feel that their lives are truly happy after doing yoga after a long time.
Why and how can yoga increase happiness?
If you do yoga with a commitment, you already feel the benefits. But if you’re still trying it, you might be wondering, how come? There is one finding that explains that yogis of all levels who practice once a month claim that their main motivation for doing so is to help heal wounds, relax, and deepen spirituality as well as improve physical health and fitness. This shows that once people try yoga for the first time, they find that yoga is more than just a simple fitness exercise, but much more than that.
Because no matter how you try to complete this exercise, it’s easier to think of it as a happiness-boosting activity. But to get a better understanding, here are 3 factors that the Harvard Study understood and compared to the benefits of yoga:
- Choose to stay happy with whatever you do
Yoga teaches us to enjoy being in the here and now more. And when yogis adopt philosophy in their daily lives, things feel easier and more enjoyable when they are done, no matter how difficult it may be. Don’t let negative thoughts affect your positive energy and make your life unhappy, especially by small things.
- Strengthen your closest relationship
Is there a closer relationship than the relationship you have with yourself? Yoga teaches you to accept yourself, without judgment and unconditional love for our bodies and minds. Once we feel comfortable with ourselves, then getting closer to other people will feel much easier. In addition, yoga classes are also a good place to socialize and build new friendships.
- Take care of yourself
Yoga has many benefits. In the end, yoga is also a physical exercise that engages the muscles, increases flexibility and improves the circulatory and digestive systems. With added spiritual and stress-releasing elements of relaxation, it’s an activity that helps you take good care of yourself. From a financial standpoint, you may not be too happy with the prices that yoga classes offer. But the good news is that you can eventually become a yoga teacher and make money from the sport itself.
As you can see, yoga covers the three aspects of happiness to some extent. Now, you know why yoga can make you happier, right? And what’s more, research also confirms that we should value love above all else to be happier. Do you know the meaning of the word Namaste (a word that yogis usually say after doing yoga)? Namaste means “the light within me honors the divine light within you” or in English “the divine light in me honors the divine light in you.” Is there a greater expression of love than these words?