by Audrina Kingston

Created on: November 02, 2009   Last Updated: November 03, 2009

With vast challenges facing today's world, the good news is that plenty of people are embracing yoga as a way of confronting the toxic stresses of modern living. What makes yoga attractive is its suitability for all ages and physical conditioning. As you progress, your body becomes well-toned and stronger while your mind becomes calm.

The practice of yoga combines basic principles. The four most practiced principles incorporate relaxation, meditation, posture, and breathing. Another principle, the yoga diet, encourages a vegetarian diet.

Physical activity, like yoga, helps the brain regulate the release of the stress hormone cortisol. When yoga practices minimize stress, your ability to relax, stay calm, and achieve peace of mind becomes front and center. This means that whatever used to frazzle you or anger you before, now feels insignificant because of how you deal with things rather than react to it.

Notice that when you're angry you tend to talk fast and breathe fast. Counter this by learning "the breath," breathing deeply from your ribcage (yoga gurus call it the breath of life). You ultimately learn to let go while mastering tolerance and understanding. With daily practice and correct techniques, it becomes a way of life.

Eventually, through breathing and stretching exercises, you release body tension. You will also notice your body is much taller and extraordinarily flexible, as your spine lengthens and your posture improves. It will be hard not to notice the positive self-image you exude.

Yoga is especially beneficial for women. Even busy working women like Wal-Mart Moms can integrate yoga into their calendar and get in shape. Before signing up for a yoga class, try a drop-in session for beginners; it's a great introduction to what the program involves. This way. you can determine if you have rapport with the yoga instructor.

You can also choose a certified yoga instructor through word-of-mouth at a select fitness center. Will your choice be based on personality or a joyful teaching style? Or perhaps you wish to go deeper by choosing someone on a path toward awareness and truth, self-discovery, or mind-body connection.

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