The mind is everything. What you think, you become." - Buddha
Whenever I invite people to my yoga classes, they often say, "I can't do yoga, I'm not flexible enough." Well, I have news for you, I'm a yoga instructor, and I'm not really that flexible either. You won't see me bending, twisting and standing on my head anytime soon (and I've been practicing for a long time).
But the thing is...yoga is NOT just about being flexible. In fact, being flexible is not a requirement at all.
YOGA RELIEVES STRESS. If you haven't heard by now, stress is one of the biggest causes of illness in the world. When we allow stress to build up, it can have numerous negative effects on our bodies and overall health. Luckily, yoga can help. The Yoga Health Foundation wrote, “Yoga reduces the physical effects of stress on the body. By encouraging relaxation, yoga helps to lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol.” By doing yoga just a few times a week, you can help reduce stress in the body.
YOGA IMPROVES LUNG FUNCTION. I can't tell you how many times I've caught myself not breathing for a long period of time (funny, I actually caught myself doing it as I was typing that sentence). We rarely pause and pay attention to our breath, and we rarely take deep breaths. Instead, we take short, shallow breaths which often makes us anxious and zaps our energy. One of the most important parts of doing yoga is the focus on breathing. Every movement involves breathing, but this type of breathing is more extensive. It helps you see just how important breathing is in exercise and helping your mind become more in tune with your body. The breathing techniques used in yoga will help improve your lung function and your body will use oxygen more efficiently, strengthening your cardiovascular system.
YOGA INVITES INNER PEACE. At the heart of yoga, one hopes to reach liberation (moksha), or inner peace. By practicing yoga, you are freed from the stresses that bog down the mind, body and spirit. Breathing, stretching and clearing your mind help you reach this. After getting rid of stress and experiencing some of the many benefits of yoga, your physical, mental and spiritual wellness will help you get closer to happiness.
IMPROVES MOOD (helps with depression). It can affect mood by elevating levels of a brain chemical which is associated with better mood and decreased anxiety. Meditation also reduces activity in the limbic system—the part of the brain dedicated to emotions. As your emotional reactivity diminishes, you have a more tempered response when faced with stressful situations.
KEEPS YOUR BRAIN GOING. As a very busy mom with a full-time job, 2 part time jobs and trying to start a busy, sometimes I feel like my brain gets mushy. Seriously, does that ever happen to you? There are moments when I cannot remember something that I have been doing every day for the last 4 years - my daughter looks at me like I'm losing it (or have lost it already). I don't feel this way on days I practice yoga. Seriously. Studies have found that people who practice yoga and meditation have more resilient brains, as well as improved brain function, particularly in older participants - a great anti-aging tool! So if you want to keep your brain young, well oxygenated, and calm, yoga is certainly a tool you should use to stay vital in body and mind.
This all sounds great, right? Well, if you want to reap the benefits of yoga but you're still worried you're not flexible enough, or perhaps you're afraid to step into a studio...that's where I can help. If you're local to South Florida, I offer in-person (private or group) classes and would be happy to introduce you to this practice that has changed my life. I also offer virtual classes if that's your forte.
Click here for more details and I'll see you on the mat. I promise, your body and your health will thank you! Oh...and your brain too!
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