The benefits of yoga extend well beyond being able to tell people you do yoga regularly smugly.
In fact, as a form of exercise, it's hard to beat for accessibility or ease – you need little to no equipment, and it can be done anywhere you have enough room to move in. That little space by the side of your bed? Yes, yoga can happen there! Your living room floor? 100%. Wherever you can fit your yoga mat, you're good to go. Plus, no matter what Instagram culture tells us – rooted in India’s spiritual practices, yoga is less about doing headstands and more about building mental and physical strength and cementing healthy habits for life.
So here are some benefits of yoga
1. Builds full-body strength
2. Helps to reduce stress and build stress resilience
3. Can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
4. Regulates your nervous system response
5. It can help cultivate mindfulness (that's my main reason)
6. Easy to do on the go
7. Improves balance: increased muscle strength and tone, Improved respiration, energy and vitality.
Try different forms of yoga and stick with what you enjoy.
The same goes for teachers – try a number, and find what you like. You’ll never form a routine if it’s a chore, but when it’s something you enjoy, you’ll make time for it. Take it slow: don’t put pressure on yourself by looking at the other people in the room, virtual or otherwise, judging yourself for not being as "good" as them. Everyone starts somewhere.
Remember that everyone’s concentrating on their practice, so if you can’t do something, no one will notice; they’re focused on themselves.
Finally, ask questions: remember that instructors are only humans, and they’re there for you – if you have any questions, always be sure to ask after class.
I would be glad to hear from you by sharing your experience, and let me know if you would like more videos.
Best wishes for this New Year 2023!
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