6 Reasons to make Yoga a part of your lifestyle.

If you haven’t tried, you are missing out.

This Indian originated discipline cultivates health and well being through the regular practice of breathing, moving, and relaxing. Over the last few decades yoga has evolved and boomed with more than 300 million people practice yoga worldwide.

“Yoga is not a religion. It is a science, science of well-being, science of youthfulness, science of integrating body, mind and soul.”

― Amit Ray

Reasons to love yoga

There are many ways to look at yoga, as a physical, mental, or spiritual practice. Ultimately It is all about your needs and goals.

1. Yoga does wonders to the mind, forging awareness, self acceptance, and positivity. Once you start feeling it, you will want all your friends and family to be on the yoga trend.
2. Improves flexibility. Within a few classes, you will notice how your fingertips are reaching closer to your toes, or that you’ve started stretching muscles that haven’t been active in a long time. It is Ideal to rejuvenate muscles and bones.
3. Yoga helps your heart. It keeps the blood flowing, so it reduces cholesterol. Even though some people consider yoga a passive exercise, it can easily accelerate your heart rat.
4. It gives you energy and a fabulous sense of accomplishment. When you breathe and power through until your final pose, your mind and body will be thanking you.
5. Time for yourself. Whether you are going to class or you practice at home, the time is sacred. It is devoted to being thankful, to honor your body, to calm your mind, and to let go, which significantly reduces stress levels.
6. It strengthens and challenges your body. Once you are practicing on a regular basis, you will feel the need to keep going, to reach further, to keep the pose longer, and to try new and more advanced postures. Ultimately, you just want to be better at what you do.

Keep these tips in mind if you are new to yoga

• Let go of any expectation. If you made it to class, you did it, and should feel proud of yourself. So, do yourself a favor and avoid comparing yourself to others. We are all different, and as I mentioned, it is an individual practice.
• Always listen to your body. It lets you know when you have reached your limit. At this point, breathe in and out, and find ease through the stretch instead of pushing further. Keep in mind that yoga should not be painful.
• Be aware and mindful about each posture. You can get hurt while practicing, so pay extra attention to instructions until you get familiar with each pose in your flow.
• If you are practicing Hot yoga, like I do, you need to hydrate all day, not just in class. It is hot and you get sweaty in there.
• You will be sore. Yes, you will, and that is a good thing!
• It makes you want to use yoga pants on daily basis, unless you are into nude yoga 🙂

Yoga is a wonderful practice for your overall wellness.