After a lengthy hiatus, late last year I restarted doing yoga and committed to a regular practice as one of my resolutions for the New Year. This decision has been one of the greatest things I could do for myself as it’s allowed me to create a more balanced and healthy life. I normally spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer for work, which is never a good thing, but during the winter, I find I become a near hermit just to avoid the cold and dreary weather, which I have never been a fan of. I found that the lack of fresh air and movement was not only becoming a detriment to my physical health, but it was also taking a toll on my emotional and mental wellbeing as well. In order to motivate me to face the wind and snow, I thought hot yoga would be a great way to get in shape while indulging in some intense heat, and boy was I right. While the classes were really intense for me in the beginning, I found my strength and flexibility beginning to improve within just a few weeks. Not only am I loving the balmy studio temperatures which are providing me with a welcome respite from this cold winter, but I’m loving the way yoga has helped me to stretch my body, mind and spirit to new lengths.
Here are some of the ways yoga can help you on all 3 levels:
Body
Yoga movements and asanas help the body develop strength, flexibility and balance. A regular practice will improve respiration, energy and vitality as well as circulation and cardiovascular health. The postures also help to maintain a more balanced metabolism allowing one to improve body definition, and help with weight loss. Symptoms of asthma, insomnia, chronic pain, and muscular tension are greatly improved with a regular practice allowing for enhanced daily function as well as better sleep at night. Yoga not only helps you feel more vital and rejuvenated, it actually helps you look younger too.
Mind
The mental benefits of yoga are infinite. Yoga helps to quiet and still the mind so that one can focus on transferring energy where it is required and intended to go. I have found that not only does the endless chatter in my brain dissipate while I’m practicing yoga; it also helps increase my focus and attention throughout the remainder of my day as well. Others have also claimed that their yoga practices allow them to relieve stress and handle stressful situations in a much more positive way as yoga encourages positive thoughts and a more upbeat view of life. A regular practice has also been proven to be extremely curative and helpful in relieving anxiety, depression and other chronic emotional disturbances.
Spirit
The way yoga affects the spirit is a very individual process as we are all such unique beings of light. Many yogis, however, find a common characteristic in that yoga helps them to feel more connected to others. By sharing our presence in a communal practice, we also share our energy and spirits. We learn how to build our awareness of others and ourselves, and learn to trust other individuals and surrender to feel part of a greater whole.
If you are looking to make a positive change in your life but don’t know where to start, I highly recommend yoga. Not only will you begin to look and feel better, you will begin to see yourself and the world in a whole new light, a winning combination for all concerned.
Namaste
~Daniela Masaro
