In two days time, I’ll be 30 years old! (So happy early birthday to me!)

And while that makes me an old lady to some – like my daughter so kindly reminds me – I’m still just a youngjn’ to others. It’s all about perspective, isn’t it?

No matter how I’m viewed by other, I can tell you one thing: I’m thankful to be 30 and moving by body the way that I am. I’m thankful for the way yoga makes me feel, physically, when I practice. And I’m thankful that it has so many benefits to help me care for my body as I’m aging.

Yoga boasts a wide variety of physical and mental benefits that aid bodies in the process of aging well.

Physical Benefits

•Improved respiration, energy, and vitality

•Increased flexibility and strength  

•Lessen chronic pain, such as lower back pain, arthritis, headaches, carpal tunnel, sciatica, etc.

•Weight loss

•Protection from injury and improved athletic performance 

•Lower blood pressure 

•Cardio and circulatory health improvement

Mental Benefits

•Relieving chronic stress patterns and improving stress management 
   Stress has devastating effects on the mind and body, such as neck and back pain, problems sleeping, headaches, drug abuse, and an inability to concentrate. 

•Developing coping skills

•Realizing a more positive outlook on life

•Increased mental clarity and calmness 

•Relaxing the mind 

•Centering attention and sharpening concentration

•Increased self- and body-awareness

In so many ways, yoga can help practitioners of every age and walk of life experience increased physical and mental wellness, which ultimately, allows us to age in a healthier way, living life to the fullest, longer.

Here are 6 yoga poses to try, no matter your age or experience with yoga!

Tree Pose

Tree pose helps to improve balance, which can help prevent falls.

Warrior II

Any standing pose improves lower body strength, but alas helps to improve bone density. Warrior II is great because, not only do you strengthen your lower body, but you also get a stretch through your hips, groin, and inner thighs.

Extended Puppy

A hybrid of downward dog and child’s pose, extended puppy pose offers the benefits of lengthening your spine without some of the wrist, knee, and hip discomfort some people experience in the other poses.

Low Lunge

Low lunge offers the same benefits of a lunge, but with the additional security of having the back leg in contact with the mat.

Bridge

Bridge pose is really beneficial for opening hips and strengthening the low back. This is really important, especially if you’ve worked at a desk for a long time, or if you haven’t been active in a while.

Legs Up the Wall

This restorative pose offers some of the gentle release of other, more strenuous folds and inversions. It also aids in recirculating blood back to the heart.