Let Yoga Upgrade Your Day
By Sandy Schroeder
We are all looking for ways to make our way through the pandemic. Friends that I talk with recommend humor, frequent conversations with friends, new projects at home, and daily walking.
I agree, but I would add yoga to the list of tools that you need. Yoga can be a strong support mechanism to help you keep it altogether.
What It Can Do
I started yoga at a time when I was experiencing a high amount of stress. I thoroughly enjoyed my job until I ran into a new middle-management figure who joined the department and preceded to upend everything. She thought nothing of tossing files out and rearranging the rest without really understanding what they were. At that point, my workplace became a stress place. Lots of good days changed into lots of bad days. If that sounds like the current virus situation, it was. Now looking back, it was mild compared to what we are experiencing with the virus, but the point is the same. Yoga can be a great fixer. It helped me relieve the stress, regain my confidence, and move on to a better job.
I observed one class, went out and bought a yoga mat, came back and joined the group. Within weeks the Saturday yoga class became my place of refuge. The minute I lowered myself to my mat I could feel the stress lifting.
I went on to do short daily yoga sessions at home in addition to my class. When yoga works for you, there is a mind/body effect that does it all. Stress lifts, the mind clears, balance improves, muscles get toned, and everything just feels better. You can start and finish the day with it.
As you move through the poses and your breath follows you, yoga can be a meditation in motion. Half-finished thoughts, full blown worries and ongoing tension leave as you focus on each pose. When you stand in a tree pose, balancing on one leg, or bend forward touching fingers to the floor in a forward fold, everything else drops away.
Over time, your body will become more limber and stronger. At the same time, you may feel more optimistic and confident enjoying better posture, and a clearer mind. WellandGood.com sums up the benefits.
- Improved energy and vitality
- Weight loss
- Protection from injury
- Improved metabolism
- Better muscle tone and strength
- Improved cardio and circulation
- Stronger sports performance
- Improved flexibility
Check classes online to see what works for you. Also check with your doctor before you begin a new exercise routine.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pearland, Tex.