The Daily Mind

Daily Steps To Mindful Living

Yoga

How to Wake Up at Work Naturally

Sometimes, staying awake in the office is one of the most difficult things we have to face. Even if we like our jobs, there are just times when beddy-bye land calls and it seems there is no way but to heed that call. Or drink tons of coffee and energy drinks.

Now, I am not averse to coffee, even if some believe it to be an unnatural way to stay awake. Energy drinks – that’s another matter.

For the purposes of this article, let’s focus on how to wake up at work naturally – without ingesting unhealthy stimulants of any kind. [Read more…] about How to Wake Up at Work Naturally

Originally posted on February 18, 2016 @ 8:30 am

Does Yoga Make You Lose Weight?

The founders of the ancient practice of yoga probably didn’t think just how far its reach would become. Today, yoga is practiced all over the world, although its popularity in the U.S. has skyrocketed only recently, with 21 million Americans saying they’ve tried yoga in the past year.

Yoga has become an industry – and a huge one at that. With yoga centers charging fees, clothing companies creating special lines for yoga, books, apps – you name it, you can find it.

That may be distasteful if you think about it, but it’s the reality, and it helps people who turn to yoga for their own reasons.

In an old post of ours, “What to Remember About Yoga“, we highlighted yoga’s focus on holistic health. It’s all about the mind and body.

People do have their own reasons for doing yoga, and its health benefits are numerous.

  • Better blood circulation, which can lead to lower blood pressure
  • Lower pulse rate, which means a stronger heart
  • Gastrointestinal functions are improved (especially with those who already have issues in this area)
  • Pain tolerance is increased and yoga has been known to help ease chronic pain
  • Balanced metabolism

But what about losing weight? Is yoga weight loss real? Or is it just a myth?

Different poses have their own purposes. Some help you to relax and meditate. Others strengthen your core and target other areas of your body. So if you think about it, you do burn calories while practicing yoga.

yoga weight loss

But how much can yoga contribute to weight loss?

Unfortunately, the answer isn’t straightforward. Studies have shown that yoga in itself does not burn as many calories as cardiovascular activities such as walking or jogging.

However, it does have the potential to burn a huge chunk of calories, depending on factors such as your weight, the length of the session, and the type of yoga you practice. Based on a Livestrong article, “Hatha yoga…burns about 298 calories in one hour for a 155 pound person reports Harvard Health…while Ashtanga facilitates a higher calorie burn — as much as 362 calories in an hour.”

With those numbers, we can say that yoga weight loss is not a myth.

However, I think that if you decide to practice yoga, weight loss shouldn’t be the main reason. Its other benefits such as peace and centering yourself is just as important – maybe more.

Beginner I may be, but I already am experiencing all the benefits of yoga – plus some weight loss.

Back to you: are you practicing yoga or plan to? Why are you doing it?

Also read: Why Yoga Is Good for the Mind and Body

Originally posted on July 21, 2015 @ 8:00 am

What to Remember about “Yoga”

yoga-alliance

You probably know very few people who haven’t at least tried yoga, but its travel to America is actually pretty recent. Even 50 years ago, it was considered a very new concept for Americans, and (like many things) we were quick to Westernize it. That’s not necessarily a bad (or good) thing, but it is worth noting and taking a close look at those roots. There are plenty of benefits to today’s American version of yoga, but something has been lost in the translation.

Whether you’re a veteran yogi or have never taken a class, remember the original foundation of yoga the next time you practice. You can apply these to every practice, pick and choose which work for you, or simply check them off your list as nice to know, but not relevant right now. Yoga can be a part of your holistic health,  but not if you just stick with the bootcamp style versions. [Read more…] about What to Remember about “Yoga”

Originally posted on August 19, 2014 @ 5:27 am

Why yoga is good for the mind and body

Yoga

The ancient practice of yoga is something that we haven’t covered recently on the Daily Mind, so I thought I would dedicate this particular blog post to exploring the benefits it can offer to our minds and bodies.

Yoga originated in India around 5,000 years ago, but today it is as popular as ever, with classes being held around the world in all manner of places, from gyms and local parks to schools and community centres.

[Read more…] about Why yoga is good for the mind and body

Originally posted on September 11, 2013 @ 3:43 pm