It’s no secret that yoga is a powerful form of exercise for the body. You may not always feel your muscles burning or work up a sweat like you would from an intense cardio routine, but you do feel the beneficial qualities of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Yoga is such a meaningful exercise for people because it can help relax the mind. The benefits go far beyond your 60-minute flow session. If you allow it, yoga can help you live a healthier and happier lifestyle. By applying the principles of yoga in your daily life, you may find yourself feeling better in more ways than one. Here’s what applying yoga ideals to your
Manage stress
One of the most important part of yoga is focusing on your breath. If you carry this mentality with you, you’ll be able to better manage any stressful situation. Remember to bring it back to your breath with deep inhales and exhales. If you focus on making your exhales longer than your inhales, your body will signal a rest and digest mode instead of the fight or flight mode. Practice mindfulness to be aware of slowing your breath and heart rate by calming your body and mind.
Research has even proven that deep breathing can effectively calm you down in stressful moments. Pranayama, the practice of controlled breathing, can catalyze the relaxation response. This helps to counteract the fight or flight stress response that our body assumes. When you activate the relaxation response, you send signals to increase blood flow to the brain and relieve immediate stress.
Be more easy-going
Yoga is all about living in the moment. While you’re doing a yoga flow, you listen and respond to your body and mind all in the present. Flow can be achieved when you focus on the current moment and align your mind, body, and spirit. Choose to stay in the present each day rather than allowing yourself to become overwhelmed by the unknowns of the future. As cheesy as it may sound, just go with the flow.
Stay balanced
One part of yoga some people struggle with in the beginning is the balance. While literal balance is important in life, learning to effectively juggle all life throws at you metaphorically without falling off your feet is important, too.
Feel empowered to know when you can’t be thrown off track. Learn to say “no” when it’s necessary and stay true to your golden mean. This will help you create a more balanced life where you experience less stress and boost your mood.
Stay well-rested
If there’s anything Savasana has taught us, it’s the power of good rest. Continue to value your rest and all the restoration it can bring your mind and body. Repair your relationship with your sleep by starting a wind down routine at night to prepare you for bed. A few yoga stretches is a perfect component of any wind down session and it contributes to improving your sleep quality.
If you struggle to find good sleep each night, think holistically. Are you overdosing on caffeine? Is your bedroom environment messing with your peace of mind? Or is your bed in proper condition to leave you well rested? Do what you need to protect your healthy state of mind and get the rest you need.
Learn from a “guru”
Taking guidance from someone more experienced than you is a humbling feat. Yoga can teach you to appreciate leadership and mentorship from others. Everyone needs a support system to go to in troubling times. Find your “guru” who can always help lead the way when you’re feeling lost.
Keeping a routine
Routines help us stay disciplined, on track, and maintaining healthy habits. Research has even shown that staying dedicated to a routine can boost your wellbeing, health, and productivity. Although guidance from your guru may help you, it’s up to you to decide the best routine for you to keep you grounded.
Once you find your routine, stay consistent, but also don’t be afraid to stray from the path every now and then. Like we said, yoga is all about the flow. Stay present and go with what feels right. Use your routine as a base for keeping you well-grounded on a daily basis.
Be more present
Physical presence is easy to achieve. Mental presence presents a little more of a challenge for some. Yoga places a great deal of importance on being present and mindful. This can help your life in various ways. Being more mindful of your own mental state is valuable to maintaining better mental health. Staying present will also make you more valuable in your relationships, romantic or otherwise. Fully enjoying a moment with your company will be appreciated by others. It will also help make your good times more meaningful and memorable.
By incorporating the ideals of yoga into your daily life beyond the studio, you will find improvements in your overall state of being. Enjoy a more stress-free, relaxed, balanced life by keeping yoga principles at the front of your mind.
Laurie Larson is a freelance writer based in NC. She writes on home, health and lifestyle topics. She hopes her writing helps inspire others to live healthier and happier lives.
