I believe some of yoga’s most profound effects on health have to do with its ability to alter long-standing dysfunctional behavior. People often have unhealthy habits of thought and deed that undermine their health habits they may recognize but haven’t been able to change. In addition to the direct health benefits of asana, Pranayama, meditation, and other yoga practices, it’s not uncommon for regular practitioners to start eating better, to cut back on caffeine or alcohol, to quit jobs with unreasonable demands, or to spend more time in nature.