By Cassandra Sadek, Random House Canada
There was a good chunk of time when I went to a yoga class twice a week at my local YMCA, and I loved it! Now my life is a lot busier (what mom’s life isn’t?) so if I want some yoga time, it’s around 9:00pm in my basement. As much as I would love a yoga session on the beach with the waves rolling in, I have to be realistic.
It helps to keep the benefits of yoga in mind, otherwise I just wouldn’t ever make the time to indulge in it. It really is an indulgence, isn’t it? I wonder if other moms out there feel like exercise is a luxury time.
I’m happy to share with you the seven big benefits of yoga from Tara Stiles’ book Yoga Cures. Are you motivated yet?
7 Benefits Of Yoga
Physical: The movements of yoga will carve out a long, lean, strong, and confident body.
Mental: All those deep breaths reset your mind back to its natural state: calm, focused, and sharp.
Psychological: All the focusing inward illuminates our behaviors and tendencies. The same habits we have on our mat are the ones we have in our lives. We see this, and we gain the freedom of choice. Who do I want to be? We get to create or re- create ourselves each day. Regular practice gives you a clear mind and the inspiration and courage to be constantly expanding and improving your life.
Neurological: When your brain is “on yoga” your neurological system is brought back into balance and is conditioned to steer you naturally toward a healthy lifestyle. Our bodies are constantly rewired to make whatever we practice get easier. When we practice healthy, balanced living we get more healthy, balanced living.
Intuitive: When there is tension in the body and mind, your intuition gets buried and your body switches to survival mode. Your yoga practice makes space in your body physically, releases tension, and calms your mind, making room for your intuition to float to the surface and guide you.
Creative: Creative juices start to flow when your body and mind begin to release mental blocks. Creativity doesn’t like to come out when there are stressors, whether from physical tension or mental cloudiness. When the stress melts away, creativity can come out to play.
Connected: Yoga is the practice of getting connected. However you choose to view your spirituality, when you practice yoga, you remember that we all are connected, here to help each other, and that we have so much potential when we are kind to others.
Copyright © 2012 by Tara Stiles, author of Yoga Cures: Simple Routines to Conquer More Than 50 Common Ailments and Live Pain-Free