The purpose of yoga is to foster harmony in the body, mind, and environment. Yoga is a complete system of physical, mental, social, and spiritual development practices that train the body and mind to self-observe and become aware of their own nature. The benefits of yoga are numerous and include:

• Improved physical health: Yoga improves strength, balance, and flexibility. Slow movements and deep breathing increase blood flow and warm up muscles, while holding a pose can build strength.

• Improved mental health: Yoga helps to manage stress, increase relaxation, and develop inner awareness. It focuses your attention on your bodys abilities at the present moment, helps develop breath and strength of mind and body, and generates balanced energy which is vital to the function of the immune system.

• Increased energy and brighter moods: Practicing yoga regularly can lead to increased mental and physical energy, a boost in alertness and enthusiasm, and fewer negative feelings.

• Reduced loneliness: Participating in yoga classes can ease loneliness and provide an environment for group healing and support.

• Improved quality of life: Yoga can help to decrease disease and increase quality of life. It can become an integral part of treatment and potentially hasten healing for those going through an illness, recovering from surgery, or living with a chronic condition.

Overall, the purpose of yoga is to build strength, awareness, and harmony in both the mind and body. It is a holistic stress management technique that produces a physiological sequence of events in the body reducing the stress response.