Surya Namaskar: Surya Namaskara, or Sun Salutation, is a dynamic series of 12 yoga postures that has been practiced in India for centuries. As a sequence, Surya Namaskar does more than just warm the body; it provides a complete workout for the body that transcends fitness and includes levels of focus and meditation. Practicing Surya Namaskar for even 10-15 minutes per day will result in significant health and wellness benefits.

Here are 7 benefits of doing Surya Namaskar every day:

1. Enhances Flexibility
Surya Namaskar will stretch every part of the body, from the toes to the crown of the head. With ongoing practice, Surya Namaskar will increase the flexibility of the muscles, joints and ligaments, making you more agile and less susceptible to injury.

2. Supports Weight Loss
When practiced at a consistently brisk pace, the sequence becomes a cardiovascular workout that contributes to calories burned and fat loss. As well, Surya Namaskar tones the arms, thighs, abdominals, and waist—a great tool for weight loss and weight management.

3. Improves Digestive Function
The forward and backward bends will massage the abdominal organs, which are integral to digestion and metabolism. Additionally, practicing the entire sequence regularly supports urination and bowel movements, and may help with detoxifying the body and reducing digestive distress.

4. Increases Mental Focus
Surya Namaskar is characterized by rhythmic movements and breath. The sequence of physical movements, coordinated with controlled breathing, will calm the nervous system and contribute to decreased mental fatigue, stress, and anxiety to optimize focus and attention.

5. Promotes Heart Health
The coordinated flow of sequences promotes circulation and increases heart rate. Practiced over time, the benefits of Surya Namaskara can improve cardiovascular endurance, and reduce risk of heart conditions.

6. Increases Posture and Balance
Each pose in the Surya Namaskar sequence strengthens the spine, improves posture and supports balance. This is especially helpful for those that spend extended periods at a desk, working.

7. Supports Hormonal Balancing
Surya Namaskar mobilizes the endocrine system, particularly the thyroid and adrenal glands, so taking time for the movement will support hormonal balancing. Taking an active role in this part of your health, can provide positive benefits on mood, energy levels or menstrual cycles in women.

Also Read: How Monsoon Season Impacts Mental Health

Surya Namaskar is a holistic movement practice so nurturing for our bodily systems and the mind. Even if you practice a few rounds each day, your health will improve in a number of ways, which makes this a particularly useful type of exercise to practice on a daily basis.

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