Yoga’s popularity continues to grow even though it’s an ancient practice. Did you every wonder why? Could it have something to do with how yoga’s body/mind connection helps in other parts of your life?
People today lead busy, stress-filled lives. All the new technological advances, like beepers, cell phones and laptop computers, really haven’t made life easier. They’ve just made it easier for us to work no matter where we are – commuting, traveling or at home.
Many people are expressing a need to find relief from these demands, to de-stress their lives. But the reality is that most of us can’t stop working, or refuse to meet the requirements of our jobs. So we need a way to help cope with fatigue and stress.
Additionally, a large segment of the population – the “baby boomers” – is getting older. And some forms of exercise just don’t fulfill their needs any longer. Regardless of whether this is because they’re physically changing or they’re just seeking greater fulfillment at this point in their lives, the situation is that they are looking for something more than running or aerobics.
This is where yoga comes in. Yoga offers not only physical challenge; it helps us achieve emotional balance. It improves physical health, mental acuity and even spiritual awareness.
That is why people of all ages are turning to yoga in great numbers. Surveys are showing that millions of Americans do yoga regularly, and many more are seriously considering trying it.
Begin a yoga practice with an open mind. Learn the postures and proper breathing, and gradually you’ll find that you can transfer the sense of calm you have during yoga to your daily life.
First, yoga postures (asanas) are physically challenging. Even in seemingly simple postures, you’re stretching and strengthening your muscles. And to do postures properly, you must focus your mind – concentrate on movement, breath and achieving correct form.
During yoga, when you quiet your mind and focus on your practice, you will feel a sense of calm and peace. Learning to transfer this to skill to other parts of your life can help you manage day-to-day stress.
When I’m faced with a stressful project or situation, such as a short deadline, I will often use this skill of focusing my mind to help me remain calm and confidently deal with the project or situation.
The next time you face a deadline, instead of allowing yourself to get upset or stressed, pause and focus only on what you’re doing at that moment. As with doing asanas, think of nothing but that one activity you’re doing. Don’t allow your mind to wander or entertain thoughts of how little time you have left. As you focus your mind on the task, rather than a variety of things, you’ll feel your stress dissipate.
Second, breathing, which is so important during yoga practice, is another coping skill you can transfer to daily life. As you practice yoga, you consciously think about your breath. You slow your breathing and coordinate it with your movement.
Focusing on your breathing during practice, relaxation and meditation quiets your mind. Quieting your mind helps you deflect stress. Again, learning to transfer this conscious focus on breathing into your daily life will help during stressful times.
If you don’t believe me, try this the next time you’re stuck in traffic or in any stressful situation. As you feel yourself getting annoyed, pause and listen to how you’re breathing. You’re probably taking quick, short breaths.
Now pause and take a long, slow, deep breath in – hold it for a second – then slowly, consciously, exhale. Do this several times. If traffic is stopped, or you’re in a non-life-threatening situation, and you can safely close your eyes for a second or two, do that while you focus on slowly and fully inhaling and exhaling. I guarantee you’ll feel calmer and the stress you were feeling will be gone.
Yoga can help you lean to manage stress as you find balance – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
People today lead busy, stress-filled lives. All the new technological advances, like beepers, cell phones and laptop computers, really haven’t made life easier. They’ve just made it easier for us to work no matter where we are – commuting, traveling or at home.
Many people are expressing a need to find relief from these demands, to de-stress their lives. But the reality is that most of us can’t stop working, or refuse to meet the requirements of our jobs. So we need a way to help cope with fatigue and stress.
Additionally, a large segment of the population – the “baby boomers” – is getting older. And some forms of exercise just don’t fulfill their needs any longer. Regardless of whether this is because they’re physically changing or they’re just seeking greater fulfillment at this point in their lives, the situation is that they are looking for something more than running or aerobics.
This is where yoga comes in. Yoga offers not only physical challenge; it helps us achieve emotional balance. It improves physical health, mental acuity and even spiritual awareness.
That is why people of all ages are turning to yoga in great numbers. Surveys are showing that millions of Americans do yoga regularly, and many more are seriously considering trying it.
Begin a yoga practice with an open mind. Learn the postures and proper breathing, and gradually you’ll find that you can transfer the sense of calm you have during yoga to your daily life.
First, yoga postures (asanas) are physically challenging. Even in seemingly simple postures, you’re stretching and strengthening your muscles. And to do postures properly, you must focus your mind – concentrate on movement, breath and achieving correct form.
During yoga, when you quiet your mind and focus on your practice, you will feel a sense of calm and peace. Learning to transfer this to skill to other parts of your life can help you manage day-to-day stress.
When I’m faced with a stressful project or situation, such as a short deadline, I will often use this skill of focusing my mind to help me remain calm and confidently deal with the project or situation.
The next time you face a deadline, instead of allowing yourself to get upset or stressed, pause and focus only on what you’re doing at that moment. As with doing asanas, think of nothing but that one activity you’re doing. Don’t allow your mind to wander or entertain thoughts of how little time you have left. As you focus your mind on the task, rather than a variety of things, you’ll feel your stress dissipate.
Second, breathing, which is so important during yoga practice, is another coping skill you can transfer to daily life. As you practice yoga, you consciously think about your breath. You slow your breathing and coordinate it with your movement.
Focusing on your breathing during practice, relaxation and meditation quiets your mind. Quieting your mind helps you deflect stress. Again, learning to transfer this conscious focus on breathing into your daily life will help during stressful times.
If you don’t believe me, try this the next time you’re stuck in traffic or in any stressful situation. As you feel yourself getting annoyed, pause and listen to how you’re breathing. You’re probably taking quick, short breaths.
Now pause and take a long, slow, deep breath in – hold it for a second – then slowly, consciously, exhale. Do this several times. If traffic is stopped, or you’re in a non-life-threatening situation, and you can safely close your eyes for a second or two, do that while you focus on slowly and fully inhaling and exhaling. I guarantee you’ll feel calmer and the stress you were feeling will be gone.
Yoga can help you lean to manage stress as you find balance – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
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