Let Yoga Inspire Your Mind and Your Body
By Sandy Schroeder
We count on yoga to improve our posture and balance as it tones our body, but it also affects the mind. Yoga's breathing and meditation soothes the mind and sharpens its focus.
According to the Mayo Clinic, overall mental health gets a boost every time we spend time on the mat.
Get a quick mood lift - When you are anxious or depressed, yoga's gentle movements and focused breathing can chase away the gloom and lift your spirits When I began yoga, I discovered I felt better the moment I settled onto my mat. Worries lifted and I left smiling, ready to tackle the world. Studies of employees show they often report feeling less confused, depressed, tired and anxious after six weeks of yoga. Work improved and life got better.
Press the relaxation button - As you move through one yoga pose after another, you may feel the release of tension in your muscles and joints. Often I would come to class bringing all of the day's tension with me, but I always left feeling calm and relaxed. Now, after a long day I use a few poses before bedtime to let go of tension and help me sleep. During the day I often use a quick session to reset my mood.
Learn to sharpen your focus - When we execute a yoga pose we have to concentrate to achieve it and find the stamina to maintain the pose. That set of skills can be applied to other parts of your life at home and at work helping us perform better with less stress. Learning to push a little harder can become a welcome habit.
Build your resilience - Yoga often asks us to twist, bend or stretch as we challenge our bodies to achieve each pose. Each time we succeed, we learn how much we can do when we keep trying.
- Start where you are now as you consider what you would like to achieve.
- Are you struggling with anxiety or depression?
- Do you wish your mind were quicker and sharper?
- Do you get up tired and tense and end the day the same way?
- Are you still looking for the best way to relax?
Yoga may have the answers to help you enjoy life more. Try a weekly class or do simple sessions at home and see what happens. See what a difference your time on the mat can make.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Seal Beach, Calif.