Why I Practice Yoga
The outstanding benefits are worth the fraction of your day.
I wrote this piece because I fell out of my morning yoga routine for a couple weeks straight. I felt awful; Mentally drained and physically exhausted.
A few days ago, I restarted my at-home yoga routine and it served as a reminder of yoga’s outstanding benefits.
Yoga improves the quality of my life both mentally and physically.
When I practice yoga, I train my brain to manually calm itself down. Prioritizing peace first thing in the morning inherently creates a better, more fulfilling day.
Mindfulness is essential because many other aspects of our lives do not allow space for it. Our brains are constantly in “go-mode,” trying to accomplish as much as we can within a 24 hour window.
Setting a daily standard to practice mindfulness increases self-discipline and in turn, satisfaction with life.
I will discuss how this practice affects both my mental and physical health. It’s difficult to put my feelings into words, but the moral of the story is:
Yoga works wonders. I highly recommend practicing it.
Mental Benefits
My mind feels clearer and more at peace.
- I feel more attentive and patient at my fast-paced serving job.
- I feel less anxious in situations that would typically increase my anxiety.
My response to stressors is not overwhelming.
- I feel more capable of handling situations properly.
- I am able to identify negative thoughts and emotions without letting them determine or affect my behavior.
My mood skyrockets.
- I feel happier and more content with my daily life.
- Less stress inherently elevates mood.
- Yoga gives me a sense of purpose to each and every day. It’s a skill I want to constantly improve and I’m only competing with myself.
Physical Benefits
My body feels loosened up.
- I feel ready and rejuvenated to start my day.
- I feel prepared to be productive.
My energy increases!
- I feel more awake and excited to complete tasks.
- I feel more like myself.
- I feel more inclined to write and share my thoughts!
My body feels stronger.
- Yoga tones the muscles in your body through simple stretching or held poses.
- I feel more fit and secure in my body because I know I am prioritizing my health.
Conclusion
Prioritizing health through practicing yoga benefits both physical and mental aspects of your body.
An unexpected break from my practice reminded me the extent that yoga transforms my daily life. After experiencing a lack of these benefits, I got back into my practice. As a result, my mental and physical health feel wonderful.
It doesn’t matter your age, size, flexibility or gender. Yoga is for everyone!
Yoga isn’t just crazy, body-contorting poses like what you see on TV.
Yoga is what you make it.
Example yoga flow:
For a simple flow, start with sitting, legs crossed, back and shoulders vertical with your hands on your knees (See cover image).
Breathe in and out for as long as feels comfortable. Do this for 5–10 minutes.
When ready, slowly tilt your neck in a circular motion, focusing on the tightness in your muscles fading away. Continue breathing on steady beats — for example; 5 second inhale, 5 second exhale.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this piece. It makes my heart happy to know there are people with similar life-improving interests!
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