People often wonder how they can fit yoga into their lives - like anything else we make time for the things we feel are important. We can't imagine life without that morning cup of coffee, without the meetings, the things on our to-do lists, the errands, our daily routines, yet somehow we often fail to include feel-good time into our schedule.
In our busy lives, we tend to deprioritise ourselves and our well-being, and until our bodies send out stress signals we frantically race to keep up with life! This is especially true when you're caring for others, or have a family to look after - time for ourselves becomes not simply a luxury, but a guilty indulgence.
Consider however the benefits to ourselves and to those around us when we take the time to recharge, and to nourish ourselves. We give our minds space to switch off from the constant whirr; we send signals to our brain to reduce levels of adrenalin in the bloodstream, as we hit pause and take the time to breathe deeply. We reduce stress hormones in our bodies, and start to reverse their impact on our digestive systems and our circulatory system. Our bodies have the space to move, stretch and rest.
We are like a battery that needs recharging - take time to plug into what nourishes you!
Perhaps just for one or two hours a week, YOU can be the focus, the most important thing in your diary - an appointment you need to keep.
In an hour's yoga class we shut the door on all the to-do lists, and take time to breathe, to focus on our breath, to make space in our minds. We challenge our mind's perceptions and assumptions about what our bodies are capable of.
When we complete the practice, we have the tools in our arsenal to deal with stress differently, to be flexible and strong, not only in our bodies, but in our minds as well.
In dynamic 1 hour Vinyasa Flow yoga classesyou will be guided through postures, using the breath to link the body's movements in transitions that will build flexibility and strength, before ending in deep relaxation.
A few of the benefits of regular yoga practice include:
Improved respiration, energy and vitality
Reduced stress levels, creating a relaxed mind, and removing anxieties
Increased strength and flexibility,
Challenges your mind's perception of what your body can do!
Greater sense of overall wellbeing
Take some time for you, whether it's to sit down with a cup of tea, to go for a walk, call a friend for a long chat, or get on your yoga mat!