Live Yoga Everyday
Yoga is an experience in itself. If you are wondering how to bring yoga closer to your life, there are some things you should know. No matter how old or young you are, performing and practising different yogasanas, supports and sustains your flexibility. You will be surprised to know we have been doing yoga since we were babies. Through those simple stretches, and everyday bending, yoga has always been with us. It is therefore unfair to associate yoga with a fitness workout performed on the mat. At a time when youngsters and elders alike are looking at experimenting with different fitness regimes to gain health, it will be a good idea to incorporate this highly flexible form of exercise into our daily lives.
Limiting yoga between four walls is passé, instead performing yoga while driving to work, cooking at home or while gardening can help you get closer to yoga. Performing (5-10 min) breathing exercises, small moves (neck, hands, legs) can help you relax in a much healthier way. Today, while we blame our changing lifestyle as a reason for unhealthy living, it is also necessary to realise that we are just cribbing about it, but are doing nothing to overcome the challenge. By practising yoga asanas with healthy breaks, you can overcome stress and spend the rest of the day cheerfully.
Try different forms of Pranayam, the breathing exercise that increases oxygen supply to the brain, revitalises energy levels and makes you more active through the day. Pranayam can be performed in leisure, even while you are waiting for your bus, or commuting in a cab or train. Small stretching and bending exercises can be performed in our daily work life to balance physical pressure.
Bringing yoga closer brings health closer to you
Traveling to work, most of us deliberate on the hundred things we need to close for the day. Most often, as a result, by the time we reach office our minds are loaded with lots of questions, and we don’t have the right energy or mindset to productively handle the day. Instead of brooding over work while traveling, let the bliss of yoga into your mind by performing simple asanas which will leave with you feeling happy and energised for the rest of the day. While waiting at the traffic signals, you can try practicing mindfulness to let things fall into place.
Taking deep breaths, and counting the process, can calm your nerves and provide you with patience to deal with the rest of the day. Try this while driving, walking to work or taking a cab.
When you are busy working and planning your day-to-day activities, you tend to forget to give the much-needed care your body deserves. Why not pamper your body with some easy workouts sitting at your workstation itself? Simple yoga poses can be practiced while sitting at your desk, just before a meeting or while hustling over to your client/boss’s office. For starters, try a Malasana Variation or Thigh stretch
One can perform yoga at home while they are involved in different activities like cooking, having food, even watching television. Yoga while cooking can enhance the individual’s state of mind and elevating positive energy that one can cook an absolutely delicious meal with the simplest ingredients.
After an exhausting day, all you need is some me-time watching your favourite TV shows. You could guiltlessly spend time before the idiot box by actually trying some simple yoga stretches like cow face pose, vajrasana and build your muscle core even while you are having your daily dose of entertainment. Some of the asanasas that can be performed while at home are Tadasana, Bhujangasana, Vajrasana, Sukhasana etc which will relax your mind and body completely inside out. These asanas help in relaxing the ankles, knees, toes etc bringing balance to the mind and body.
Welcome yoga to your everyday life and you will never crib again about your missed fitness schedules. Let the goodness of yoga, flow into your lives.
The opinions expressed in this post are the personal views of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of HuffPost India. Any omissions or errors are the author’s and HuffPost India does not assume any liability or responsibility for them.
Akshar, is the Founder, Chairman and Course Director of Akshar Yoga
