Lifestyle

10 Ways Practicing Yoga In Your 20s Will Bring You Peace In All Areas Of Life

by Kokil Sharma
Stocksy

Yoga does not require you to be of a certain age, background, height, weight or religion.

It is available to all and is known to be one of the most powerful anti-depressants around. The best part is that even if you get addicted to it, there are no side effects whatsoever.

Of all types of exercise and physical activity around, yoga is one of the most popular and effective forms. Many people swear by yoga due to its restorative and detoxifying qualities.

The sooner you start, the better it will be because like with anything else, there is no “right” age to start.

However, being a dedicated yogi in your 20s offers some special benefits: You not only stand out from the crowd, but you also set a strong foundation toward a future full of freedom, happiness and success. Check out the following 10 advantages that practicing yoga can offer you in your 20s:

1. Detox from alcohol

Your 20s are an exciting time; it’s finally legal and still socially acceptable to hit bars and clubs. However, the excitement of this newfound freedom can be very overwhelming, and people navigating it often get carried away.

A big reason this time is among the most important in life is because we have to make major life decisions about love, careers, money, etc. Since it’s tough to make good decisions when drunk and hungover, detoxing after a heavy party weekend might be a good idea. This is when yoga comes in handy, as it allows for physical and mental detox.

2. Makes coping with heartbreak easier

Your ex married a Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie look-a-like — so what? Hot yoga does wonders for burning all that jealousy.

Yoga is a great way to help you live in the moment; it forces you to accept the present, no matter how harsh it might appear to be. It opens up the mind and heart to be able to receive more energy and provides perspective, which helps for coping with tough breakups.

So, rather than trying to react aggressively and revengefully, yoga helps with learning to accept and let things go.

3. You wouldn’t otherwise look so stunning

The beauty, simplicity, grace and confidence that become a part of you via yoga practice will make you stand out. Your body will become stronger and more flexible and you will feel it.

You will breathe more effectively and if you are really dedicated, you might just get amazingly toned abs without having to starve yourself. It’s your time to shine and enjoy being in the spotlight.

4. Solid foundation

You will set a strong foundation for yourself, which will help you navigate tough and awkward situations with ease. Successful people on this planet abide by principles that make them who they are.

Yoga helps you to recognize who you are, what you need, what your purpose is and then set the rules accordingly. When you do that, you set a concrete foundation, which even the strongest challenges cannot shake or break.

5. Contribute to making this world a better place

You are already contributing toward making this world a better place by making yourself better. Many great philosophers in the past have said that if we want to remake the world, we must remake ourselves.

You'll feel a great sense of achievement each time you walk out of a yoga class because you make progress every day. That feeling of positive change will encourage you to give something back to this world through your own special talents.

6. Heal

You will learn to forgive a person or occurrence that may have been weighing on you. You will become more relaxed, peaceful and comfortable with who you are and you will move forward with confidence.

When you don't forgive, the only person who suffers is you because you are the one who holds onto the resentment. The quicker you forgive, the freer and happier you will become.

Practice forgiveness every day because holding onto resentment requires energy and focus and will negatively impact other areas of your life.

7. You will learn to love yourself

You will learn the art of loving yourself and those around you unconditionally. There is a great sense of peace in loving and accepting your strengths and flaws equally.

There is nothing more attractive than a person who does not judge and only spreads love. This attitude will take you far in your personal relationships, too.

8. Grow mentally and spiritually

Instead of “getting old,” you will “grow old,” the distinction being that growing old involves increased grace and balance with age. Every day, you will feel better than the day before.

People lose enthusiasm as they get older because worry and negativity occupy their minds. However, if you make wise decisions and practice meditation, you will feel like a 21-year-old far beyond your age of 21. The choice is yours.

9. Perform better at work

Practicing yoga will help you improve focus and concentration at work, which is extremely important as you climb up the career ladder. This is particularly relevant when you are in the early stages of your career and are still learning about how the real world works.

It is important to stay focused and prioritize tasks that help you grow positively. Practicing meditation and yoga will help you develop a clear vision and understanding of your skills so you will be able to contribute to your work accordingly.

10. You will have something precious to pass onto your children

You will already have some tiny seeds of wisdom to offer your children, which will lead them to respect you.

Yoga is not just a physical or a mental practice; it is a lifestyle that can shape your life positively. It helps you choose heart over head. Making the right choices in your 20s will pay dividends for the rest of life. Keep calm, practice yoga and choose wisely.

Photo via We Heart It