Picture yourself calm, at peace, and in tune with your body…
This and more are possible by taking time out of each day to pay attention to your body, get moving, and focus on your breath. Yoga is more than a type of workout; it can become a lifestyle. Living the yogi way is about appreciating your body and all that it does for you and taking the time to show it some love.
What is yoga?
To put it simply, yoga is a type of exercise that involves holding specific postures with your body and controlling your breath. There are varying degrees of intensity to yoga; from standing on your head to simply lying flat on your back and breathing deeply. Yoga can be tailored to meet the physical capabilities of your body and what you are hoping to get from your practice. There is no one right way to practice yoga. It is an activity for all ages, sizes, and genders!
Why yoga?
To get technical, yoga has been shown in research to have many wonderful effects on the body.
They include the following:
- Slowing cellular aging
- Reducing inflammation and stress in the body
- Alleviating anxiety and depression
- Promoting a healthy aging lifestyle
Yoga and aging…
Yoga can be an excellent tool in promoting a healthy aging lifestyle. It is a way to keep your body strong, stay active, and engage with friends and others in your community.
Here are some key points on yoga and healthy aging…
- Stronger bones: As we age our bones become more brittle and break easier. Yoga can help make them stronger and prevent fractures with a healthy diet.
- Better sleep: Regular exercise can promote more restful nights.
- Less aches and pains: From achy joints to chronic pain, yoga can get you moving or simply help you learn how to breathe through pain and find some peace.
- Greater balance: Help prevent falls by improving your balance and coordination by moving through the coordinated postures during yoga.
Ways to incorporate yoga in your life…
- One of the easiest ways I have found to bring yoga into my life is by taking time in my day to focus on my breathing and practice deep breaths. The breath is a huge component of yoga. During every posture, you are encouraged to fill your belly with air and keep a focus and control on your breath. You don’t need to be in a yoga studio to accomplish this either. You can take the time to control your breath while sitting at your desk, during your morning commute, or while relaxing on the couch. After completing some deep breaths, you will feel more relaxed, focused, and in tune with your body.
- Try out a yoga class! Get some friends together and go to either a local yoga studio or inquire if your community YMCA or gym hosts yoga classes. Trying things in a group can be less intimidating, and it’s a chance to spend time with people who are important to you.
- Try some poses in the comfort of your own home! Yoga is incredibly versatile and can be done in virtually any setting. Clear a spot on your living room floor, find a supportive chair, or set up in your backyard. A quick Google or YouTube search will bring up several examples and tutorials on yoga moves you can do.
Tips, Tricks, Suggestions…
Yoga is a wonderful activity that works.
As part of your yoga journey, keep the following in mind.
- Listen to your body; if something hurts, don’t do it!
- Talk with your doctor, work with them to build an exercise routine that is safe and right for you.
- Give it a try, don’t be afraid to look silly!
- Just breathe!
Written by: Katie Jones, Nurse Practitioner, Boise, Idaho
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