Okay, so picture this: you wake up in the morning, the sun peeking through the curtains, and you hear the sweet sound of birds singing (or not).
Before diving straight into the hustle and bustle of the day, you could take a moment to indulge in some yoga. Engaging in a tranquil meditation session or even stretching before starting your day will help to calm your mind and set a positive tone for the day ahead.
What is yoga?
It is an ancient spiritual practice that has now become popular as a way of promoting mental and physical health. As a discipline, yoga means “to engage”.
It typically involves breathing techniques, physical postures and meditation, known as pranayama, asanas, and dyana respectively.
Although it is often associated with aligning the mind, body and soul, it also has other numerous health benefits.
Physical Benefits of Yoga
● Improves posture and flexibility:
The various asanas work wonders in strengthening your core and addressing posture issues So, if you have a slouching posture, this might be just what you need!
● Builds strength and strengthens muscles
● Yoga has also been shown to reduce pain in people with chronic conditions such as arthritis and back pain.
● Aids digestion:
Specific yoga postures can help stimulate the digestive system, improve blood flow to the abdominal organs, and reduce stress, all of which contribute to better digestion.
● Improves hair growth:
Yoga generally promotes overall well-being by reducing stress levels, and this can improve hair health. Certain yoga asanas also increase blood flow to the scalp, nourishing hair follicles and promoting healthy hair growth.
Mental Benefits of Yoga:
● Reduces stress:
Yoga is like a little piece of tranquility in the midst of everyday madness. It reduces stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels in the body.
It has also been proven to reduce fatigue and anxiety in cancer patients, as well as in patients with cardiovascular disease.
● Improves sleep:
Practicing yoga before bed can help to improve the quality of your sleep.
● Boosts energy levels:
Feeling a bit sluggish? Yoga’s got you! Engaging in a morning yoga routine or a mid-day stretch can invigorate your body and increase your energy levels. It also encourages mindfulness, which can improve your focus and concentration.
Incorporating yoga into your routine doesn't have to be overwhelming!
Start small – whether it be 10 minutes or an hour. If possible, try to practice at the same time every day to make it a habit.
It's crucially important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard, so if a pose feels uncomfortable, please back off and try a modified version of it!
You could also use your weekends to explore different yoga styles and attend classes or workshops. It's a wonderful way to deepen your practice, connect with like-minded individuals, and expand your yoga journey!