Yoga has many benefits for those working or living in stressful environments

Stress can take a serious toll on one's mental, emotional and physical health. Those who make an effort to look within for spiritual guidance may be able to achieve peace of mind and to attain a greater sense of well-being.

For example, researchers from the University of Leicester have found that yoga may have a positive effect on individuals in prison environments. Former probation officer Rose Parkes, who conducted the study, found that the exercise helped relieve the intense stress that prisoners and staff members often felt.

"[Yoga] is a practice which helps to foster understanding, self-acceptance, peace and well-being," Parkes explained. "[It] may offer prisoners a much needed physical and mental release of the tension of prison life, paradoxically turning prison cells into places of retreat."

She added that spirituality and peace of mind may help these individuals acquire self-discipline and concentration skills. These attributes could help them adjust to post-prison life and enable them to become more productive members of society.

Those who incorporate Dahn Yoga exercises into their lifestyles may not only be ensuring good health, but also significant stress relief.

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