Yoga for wellness (08/07/20)
This week I focus on yoga and why it can be a great way to enhance wellness.
The practice of yoga originated over 5000 years ago in India and is based on ancient Sanskrit teachings. It has developed over many centuries and migrated across the world into different styles and forms. The yoga that is practised today in the Western World is different from its traditional form, although the underpinning philosophy remains the same: to connect the body, mind and spirit through physical postures (asanas), meditation and breathing (pranayama).
Numerous research studies highlight the positive impact of yoga in reducing anxiety, stress and depression, maintaining physical health, recovering from physical illness and supporting pre and post pregnancy. Introducing just ten minutes of yoga practice into your daily routine can have a real impact on your wellbeing and focus. It is a gentle form of exercise that is amazing for toning muscle but is kind on the mind and body. There is no pushing through pain in yoga, it’s all about what is right for your body at that time.
At the moment due to COVID-19, yoga studios are closed but there are thousands of online classes for you to access including pre-recorded Youtube classes and paid live classes from local yoga studios. But which type of yoga is for you? Here are brief definitions of four common types of yoga to help you decide, plus a link to a Youtube video for you to try if you wish:
In Vinyasa yoga, physical poses link with breath and movement to create a ‘flow’. It is an energising form of yoga and can be taught at beginner or advanced level. Great for a morning practice or to renew energy during the day.
Hatha yoga is centred around balancing opposing forces such as strength and flexibility, physical and mental energy or breath and the body. Hatha classes include a mix of physical poses, breathing exercise and meditation. Suitable for beginners and a great introduction to the ethos of yoga - combining body, mind and spirit.
Yin yoga is a slower style of yoga where each pose is held for a minute or longer and you focus on breathing through the discomfort of each pose in meditation. Yin yoga is great for releasing stress and emotional tension at the end of the day.
Restorative yoga focuses on complete relaxation in poses which are held for up to five minutes or longer. The focus is on down-regulating the nervous system and can be great for reducing stress, reducing pain and general self-care and relaxation.
On a personal level, yoga really helps me to find calm and focus in my busy life. I try to do 15 minutes every day if I can. I would love to hear about your experience of yoga, whether you have practiced for a long time, or are just beginning, or maybe even trying it for the first time. Please email me with any comments or questions: j.e.probyn@salford.ac.uk
Please note that these yoga videos are just my personal preferences and there are lots more out there if these don’t suit you. If you are a complete beginner, you may benefit from a live online class in which you can interact with a qualified teacher. Also please ensure that you are fit and well before practicing yoga and if it doesn’t feel right in your body – stop immediately.
If you would like to find out more about the philosophy and history of yoga, this is a very informative website: www.yogabasics.com
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