Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that originated in India 5,000 years ago. Postures and breathing are heavily emphasized in the western world, but yoga isn’t just about pretzel shapes and handstands. It is a great way to get in tune with your body and inner self. With regular practice, you may experience profound changes in your life.

Here are 4 ways yoga can change your life:

Encourages self-care

Yoga provides you with the tools you need to change. In fact, studies show that yoga changes a person’s relationship with food and exercise. With regular practice, you may find that you start to exercise more and eat better even without making a particular effort to change. The more you commit to the practice, the more you get involved in your own care. After all, yoga is more than just a form of exercise; it’s a way of life.

Improves relationships

Yoga builds awareness. With regular practice, you’ll find it easier to break free from negative emotions such as fear, anger, worry and self-doubt. Plus, studies suggest that consistent yoga practice helps a person develop compassion, friendliness and even build trust. All of which can help you build a stronger, happier and loving relationship with others.

Live in the present

Our world is full of distractions. Worse, most people tend to multi-task in the hopes of getting more things done. Because of this, we often take for granted the things and the people around us. Being in a state of full presence is important while practicing yoga. It reminds us to be present and fully grasp the gifts life is offering.

Stress relief

Everyone suffers from stress from time to time. But chronic stress can affect your body, feelings, thoughts and behavior. If left unchecked, it may even lead to serious medical conditions. For those who are looking for ways to manage their stress levels, you might want to give yoga a try.

It may seem unlikely that twisting your body into a tricky position would promote relaxation, but it actually does. Yoga combines physical poses, meditation and controlled breathing. This helps clear your mind and help you beat stress and anxiety. It also promotes relaxation, which is the opposite of stress.