Over the past ten years I’ve had an on-again, off-again relationship with yoga. It just got serious this past year, and I’m happy to say that I’m in love.
Yoga has made me a better person and that’s something I never expected.
If you’ve been thinking of trying yoga, or have been on a few dates and are trying to determine if you want to commit, there’s no better time than now to take the leap.
Most people get into yoga for the physical benefits – it’s why I got into it in the first place. But there are so many unexpected gifts you’ll receive beyond more strength and flexibility. Here are five ways that practicing yoga regularly will make you a better and happier person:
You’ll Have More Energy
All kinds of physical exercise give this benefit and yoga is no exception. The foundation of yoga is in linking movement and deep breathing which is extremely energizing in a controlled, long-lasting way. It re-invigorates both your body and your mind and is a particularly great way to get going in the morning!
It Will Teach You To Love and Nurture Your Body
The practice of yoga is about linking your body and your mind. Of tuning into your awareness of your physical body on a much higher level than you would usually have day-to-day. Over time as you practice you will truly get to know your individual body and you will learn to be both thankful for its abilities and respectful of its limitations. Once I started to practice regularly I found that I was more tuned in to my body as I moved throughout my day. I discovered unhealthy habits that I’d acquired over the years: bending forward deeply to pick things up off the floor (which strained my back), sitting with my legs tucked in under me (which strained my knees), hopping up and down on one foot while pulling on my other shoe (just plain awkward), not to mention the places that I carried tension throughout my day (my shoulders, neck and jaw). Now that I am aware of these habits I’m working to correct them, hopefully laying a healthier foundation to take me forward through life and ensure my body stays healthy and strong.
You Will Find More Joy in Your Daily Life
Yoga is just as much a mental exercise as a physical exercise – if you’re doing it properly. Because of its roots in ancient India it takes principles from Hinduism and Buddhism and is, at its core, both meditative and spiritual. The really great teachers recognize this and work some meditative techniques into their classes. The first benefit I received was to learn to live in the present. When I do this I stop stressing about the past or worrying about the future and am able to focus on life’s simple pleasures and everyday moments and enjoy them more. At the beginning this benefit only lasted the length of a class, which is definitely enjoyable, but once I started practicing regularly I’ve found that it lasts throughout my day and I feel happier in my daily life.
You Will Reduce Stress
Just the physical practice of yoga helps boost your endorphins and make you feel better. When you add in the mental benefits I’ve found that it’s a great way to work through stress. It starts with the concept of living in the present and accepting that in every moment you are exactly where you’re meant to be. In order to do this you need to confront the negative thoughts that are currently filling your mind, acknowledge them and let them go. Whenever I go into a yoga class in a bad mood I always leave feeling so much better. And I’ve found now that I practice regularly that I am starting to use these techniques off the mat to prevent myself from getting so stressed in the first place. As I go through my day more aware of my present moment I’m able to recognize when negative thoughts are forming and to address them faster so they don’t build to the point of a meltdown (yes the meltdowns still happen, but not as frequently as they used to!).
You Will Learn to Accept Yourself
When you increase your mental and physical awareness, wonderful things start to happen. It begins with the foundation of listening to your body, loving and respecting it. Then it extends to your mind: quieting the negative thoughts and embracing the present moment for exactly what it is. Then it continues inward to the very core of your being, your sense of self. You will learn to see yourself exactly as you are and to love and accept yourself fully. When you achieve this you will cultivate a sense of peace and joy that extends outwards like a halo to those around you, bringing more positivity into your relationships with others and more love into your life!
How to Get Started
So, now you’re totally psyched and ready to commit to yoga. Awesome! Here are three ways to do it:
At a studio: most studios have an introductory offer for new members such as a 1-week unlimited pass. These are great for trying out as many class types and instructors as possible without breaking the bank. Everyone has a favourite style and particular instructors that make the experience amazing, it’s just a matter of finding your fit.
Online: this is definitely the most cost-effective, easy option as there are tons of free online resources and you can do it at home. If you borrow a mat from a friend you won’t have to spend a dime to see if yoga is for you. Check out my cousin Cara’s post on her favourite YouTube channels for yoga. I personally love Yoga with Adriene and she has a lot of resources for beginners.
A retreat: this may be something you do to deepen your practice if you’ve done yoga before but are looking to take it to the next level, or if you’re the type who likes to just jump in! I did a yoga retreat in Bali last May and this is where I truly fell in love with yoga and learned a ton. A retreat to an exotic destination like Bali is amazing, but if you don’t want to spend the big bucks why not make your own retreat closer to home? Cara has another great post about her DIY Yoga Retreat that is full of good ideas
Some Tips As You Begin Your Practice
- start in person: I strongly recommend this as guidance and corrections are key to ensure you’re doing the poses correctly. If you’re not you will likely hurt yourself down the line. It can be very hard to describe how your body should feel in a pose and if your instructor is online you can’t ask for clarification or corrections
- listen carefully to alignment cues: this is important regardless but essential if you are doing yoga online. As per above, it can be hard to explain what a pose should feel like and every instructor has different ways of explaining. Make sure you are listening and watching carefully
- ask for help: if you’re in a class and you’re not sure if you are doing something right, or it feels uncomfortable, ask! That’s what the instructor is paid to do. If you can catch their eye give them a quiet wave, or if you don’t want to interrupt during the class approach them after
- don’t compare yourself to others: everyone’s body is different, with different limitations. The instructor or person beside you may have been practicing yoga for 20 years, your body won’t immediately be able to do what they are doing
- close your eyes: this is a great way to ensure that you are doing what feels good for you and not pushing beyond your limits. When you practice with your eyes closed you lock out other sensations and it’s easier to really feel your body. If something hurts, you need to scale back
- use your core: the most important alignment cue to listen to is “engage your core”. Core strength is needed for virtually every yoga pose and it’s so, so important. If you don’t engage your core muscles the burden is thrown onto your back instead and you will injure yourself (this one comes from personal experience!)
- build a relationship: it’s so amazing when you find that favourite instructor that takes your experience to the next level. When you find that person, build a relationship with them! Tell them the things you love about how they teach. For one thing it will totally make their day, and for another it will influence them to put more of it into their future classes, so your classes with them will get better and better
I wish you the best of luck on your yoga journey!
In Search of Bliss 