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Warning: Yoga is a highly addictive practice. 

Here are some tale-tell signs to recognize an addict.  If you or someone you know is addicted to yoga, we strongly encourage you to visit the nearest yoga studio and get your namaste on.

Cravings & Withdrawal

Addicts may go from wanting yoga to needing yoga in order to feel well.  Addicts spend a lot of time thinking about yoga: how to get more, when their next class will be, how good they will feel after class.  The heaviness of the withdrawal depends on the strength of the addiction.  Symptoms of withdrawal may include stiffness in the body and/or joints, moodiness, unclear thoughts, and uninspired demeanor. Addicts may even become insatiable.  It is highly recommended to get this person on the mat as quickly as possible.

Abrupt Mood Changes

With just one yoga session, the brain stimulates the left prefrontal cortex and increases serotonin levels.  As chemicals are released in the brain, addicts may experience feelings of happiness, joy, and an overall sense of fulfillment that seem to come from nowhere. Yoga is also said to improve feelings of depression by decreasing monoamine oxidase and cortisol.  By building the mental awareness required for personal transformation, it becomes easier to break free from destructive emotions. Yoga addicts often experience an increased ability to actually enjoy former unpleasant activities (i.e. sitting in traffic or standing in the grocery lines).

A Growing Tolerance

Addicts may gradually increase the frequency and intensity of yoga practice by engaging in advanced practitioner behavior, including attending advanced sessions and attempting challenging poses.  A high tolerance prompts addicts to consume large quantities of yoga pants.

Changes in Appearance

Physical side effects of a yoga addict include weight loss, improved athletic performance, increased flexibility, and stronger and leaner muscle tone.  Yoga addicts may be prone to following various beneficial self-care regimens that effect the body beyond the physical, including showing signs of increased energy, reduced stress, a stronger mind-body awareness, and increased self-esteem.

Dramatic Shift in Current Lifestyle

As yoga encourages personal growth and development, many yoga addicts become prone to healthy life choices.  Yogis may begin to incorporate mindful daily practices such as meditation or cleanliness. Yogis may also begin to display an interest in global interconnectedness and/or convert to veganism.  Highly addicted practitioners have been known to resign from their professional careers and pursue the teachings of yoga.

Less Frequent Illnesses

Yoga has been known to alter the body chemistry in multiple ways, including the improvement of the immune system functions.  When muscles are stretched and contracted, the internal organs shift and increase the lymph drainage which helps fight infections, dispose of toxic waste, and destroys cancerous cells.  Yoga increases blood flow that improves cardio and circulatory health.  It also improves respiratory systems that help you breath better. Yoga brings the body and mind into a mutual state of well-being, balance, ease, and vibrant alertness.