Look, I get it this is the time of year of transition and limbo and it is also when it is hard to kick ourselves into gear to do the things that we most need!! For some of us, getting on a yoga mat can feel delicious and for others, it is downright challenging and sometimes miserable.
Until you do it.
Sometimes the HARDEST part of yoga is not the poses themselves but getting your feet on the mat in the first place. Walking through the studio doors and being there. That is HARD! I can relate. I sometimes feel that way and I TEACH the class.
What I do know:
Yoga is not just about movement!
Improves your flexibility!
T
he first time on your mat you will not feel that amazing flexibility but stick with it, friend you will notice a loosening..and eventually those poses will become just a bit more attainable!
Build muscle strength!
Strength in its true sense protects us from conditions like arthritis and pain and helps us prevent injuries. And when you build strength through yoga, you balance it with flexibility.
Prevents cartilage and joints from breaking down!
Each time you practice yoga, you take your joints through their full range of motion. This can help prevent degenerative arthritis or mitigate disability by “squeezing and soaking” areas of cartilage that normally aren’t used.
Increases your blood flow!
When you practice yoga you are increasing the amount of oxygen flowing to your cells and increasing circulation throughout the whole body! Your body’s overall function improves!
Drains your lymph and boosts immunity!
The continual movement in yoga allows contraction and stretching of muscles! Your organs get twisted and moved around and this also activates the drainage of your lymph which is a viscous fluid that is loaded with immune cells! When this happens the lymphatic system gains strength and has a greater ability to fight off infection, sickness, and even toxic waste!
Drop your blood pressure!
If your blood pressure is high then yoga is your jam! Simply lying in Savasana (resting pose) regularly shows a significant drop in overall blood pressure.
Regulate your adrenal glands!
How is your stress level? Cortisol levels through the roof? These days the body is continually pumping out cortisol due to high amounts of stress. Our adrenals are not set up for this, they are only meant to jump in to help when in crisis. Daily crises are not what our adrenals need! Regular breathing in yoga helps us access our parasympathetic state…in turn…loving up our adrenals!
Makes You Happier!
Feeling sad? Sit in Lotus. Better yet, slowly move through a sun salutation. While it’s not as simple as that, one study found that a consistent yoga practice improved depression and led to a significant increase in serotonin levels and a decrease in cortisol.
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