Yoga is a millennium-old physical system that is extremely relevant for these credit-crunch time. Read on to find out about the benefits of yoga can - health, suppleness and serenity, and all without breaking the bank.

Yoga as a physical regimen has stood the test of time and proven its worth. After all, no activity would be practiced for thousands of years unless it provided some pretty powerful benefits.

Indeed yoga, along with other Eastern philosophies and lifestyle systems, has become almost mainstream in the West over the last few decades. But now in these stressful and financially worrying times, practicing yoga is more relevant than ever. Here's why.

For one thing, yoga is one of the few exercise regimens that both energizes and relaxes. After completing a session of yoga, the body is deeply calm and relaxed but also full of energy.

So if you're fretting about your finances or job status, 20 minutes or so of yoga will bring you the calmness and drive you need to do something about it like look for work. And you've got a much better chance of finding work and acing an interview if you're bubbling with energy and in the right state of mind.

Another bonus is that yoga doesn't take up too much of your time. You can develop a program to suit your schedule and adjust it easily whenever necessary. Just 20-30 minutes a day practicing a handful of asanas (yoga poses or postures) can help keep you trim, energetic and serene.

What's more, yoga is an activity that requires no special site or expensive equipment. No need for expensive gym or fitness center memberships. No need to drive off somewhere to practice. No fancy outfits to buy. You can practice yoga in your living room or garden with just a blanket and loose clothing.

Yoga may be thousands of years old but it's more relevant than ever nowadays. So give yoga a try and reap the benefits of this ancient spiritual system.