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Because it activates parasympathetic nervous system. There are two branches of the Autonomic Nervous System regulating the involuntary functions of the body: 

1. The Sympathetic Nervous System elicits a flight or fight response in the body. 

2. The Parasympathetic Nervous System stimulates rest and repair through the body.
This is the branch we will be looking at and is the part that supports us to feel peaceful.

The parasympathetic nervous system functions So the system operates through long pathways of nerves called cranial and pelvic nerves and in general is slower acting. As well as involuntary functions of digestion and excretion, the PNS response restores the body back to balance, a state of calm, where functions are counterbalanced. Responsible for controlling homeostasis, this is the balanced maintenance of the body’s systems, thereby allowing it to rest and repair. 

What happens then when we activate the PNS? When you activate the PNS certain changes take places, such as decreased heart rate, muscle relaxation, and increased saliva. All of these changes just like the regular practice of Yoga are designed to maintain long-term good health and wellbeing, balanced systems, better digestion, and breathing. When you activate the PNS through Yoga practice it is helping you reside in the PNS response for prolonged periods of time.

Practicing self-control through the Eight Limbs of Yoga, or Ashtanga Yoga as outlined by Patanjali, involves a holistic approach that integrates physical, mental, and spiritual practices. Here's how each limb can contribute to self-control:

1. Yama (Moral Restraints)

• Practice: Focus on ethical principles like non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-greed (aparigraha).
• Self-Control: These principles guide behavior and decisions, helping you cultivate discipline and self-restraint in daily actions and interactions.

2. Niyama (Observances)

• Practice: Incorporate practices like purity (shaucha), contentment (santosha), austerity (tapas), self-study (svadhyaya), and surrender to a higher power (Ishvara pranidhana).
• Self-Control: Regularly observing these practices helps you develop inner strength and self-discipline, which are essential for controlling impulses.

3. Asana (Physical Postures)

• Practice: Engage in regular physical yoga postures that promote physical stability and comfort.
• Self-Control: The discipline of maintaining physical postures, even when challenging, builds endurance and control over the body and mind.

4. Pranayama (Breath Control)

• Practice: Practice controlled breathing techniques to regulate energy and emotions.
• Self-Control: Mastery of breath helps calm the mind and control emotional reactions, leading to greater self-control in stressful situations.

5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the Senses)

• Practice: Learn to withdraw your senses from external distractions.
• Self-Control: By turning inward and minimizing sensory input, you reduce distractions and focus on inner discipline.

6. Dharana (Concentration)

• Practice: Practice focused concentration on a single point or object.
• Self-Control: Enhancing your ability to concentrate helps in controlling the mind and preventing it from wandering or getting easily distracted.

7. Dhyana (Meditation)

• Practice: Engage in regular meditation practices to cultivate deep mental focus and awareness.
• Self-Control: Meditation strengthens mental control and helps you become more mindful of your thoughts and actions, leading to better self-regulation.

8. Samadhi (Union)

• Practice: Aim to achieve a state of union with the self, where individual consciousness merges with universal consciousness.
• Self-Control: In this state of deep meditation, self-control becomes second nature as the mind transcends personal desires and distractions.

Integration into Daily Life

To practice self-control using the Eight Limbs of Yoga, integrate these principles into your daily routine. Start with small, consistent steps, such as maintaining a regular asana practice, observing yama and niyama in your interactions, and gradually incorporate more advanced practices like pranayama, pratyahara, and meditation.By working through these limbs, you build a strong foundation for self-discipline, leading to greater control over your thoughts, emotions, and actions.