When life is hectic it is very easy to forget to look after ourselves, if we don’t we risk becoming stressed, getting aches and pains or illness.
Yoga improves strength and flexibility both physically and mentally; it unites the mind, body and soul bringing them into harmony.
Yoga can be as challenging as you want it to be; yet it is relaxing. It teaches you both physical and meditative practices that bring calm and clarity to the mind and body.
Many people say that they aren’t flexible enough to do yoga; this isn’t true. Yoga isn’t about how flexible you are or how deep you go in a posture. It is about releasing tension and energy in the body to become stronger and more flexible. The only thing you need to start yoga is a desire to have a go and some comfortable clothes.
Benefits of a regular yoga practice
-
Improved strength, flexibility and balance
Yoga postures (asana) stretch and strengthen muscles improving flexibility and muscle tone. Moving from one posture to another and holding a position improves your agility and balance.
-
Improved Posture
Awareness of good body alignment together with increased muscle tone and strength improves overall posture.
-
Energy levels
Yogic breathing strengthens the diaphragm and encourages deeper more controlled breathing. During physical postures the muscles are stretched and strengthened releasing tension. With controlled breathing and released tension overall energy levels are improved.
-
Healthier
Yoga exercises massage and tone the internal organs and balance the glandular and endocrine systems helping to balance the chemistry of the body. Meditation and calming yoga postures slow down your heart rate, which in turn lowers blood pressure. The energising, relaxing and balancing effect of yoga practices boost the autoimmune system helping prevent and fight illness.
-
Relaxation and stress management
Physically stretching muscles helps them to relax, combined with controlled breathing, relaxation and meditative practices enables every part of the mind and body to unwind. This deep relaxation reduces anxiety and stress allowing you to let go of negative patterns, making space for appreciative, focused, intuitive thoughts and behaviour.
-
Wellbeing
Yoga improves awareness and unites the body, mind and soul. Connecting you with your true nature and enabling you to live according to your core beliefs. This gives confidence, inner peace, and connection, which radiates out into your relationships and everyday life.
-
Longevity
Many people who take up yoga find that they are able to live an active and healthy life in their 70s, 80s and beyond.
which once lit, will never dim.
The better your practice,
the brighter the flame.
