We all want to be more active, don’t we? Wouldn’t it be great if we could easily insert an activity like yoga into our daily routine? It’s Pooja on the Dóchas blog today, and I’m going to talk about how to integrate yoga into your day. However, I have a confession to make! Initially, when I chose this topic, I was in full swing of yoga. Last year, I completed a 200-hour yoga training program and I was doing yoga daily, sometimes twice a day. This went on for most of last year and then tapered off when other things in life took priority. And now, I am in this stuck spot.
This means I can relate to exactly how challenging it can be to integrate yoga in your day. This blog is not just aimed at interested beginners but also at those who used to do it more often but for whatever reason have not.
What is Yoga?
Let’s begin with what is yoga. Essentially Yoga means to be in union. It goes beyond stretching and being flexible. It consists of breathing techniques, meditation, and incorporating philosophy as well as movement through yoga postures. Yoga is a practice that brings all of these facets into balance within us.
Research suggests that yoga helps support the central nervous system and that it has positive mental health benefits. That is what interested me. For me, it is my opportunity to connect with myself and check in with me. After attending a class or doing home practice, I don’t feel too tired and have the energy and openness to continue the rest of my day. That is essentially what yoga is, to be in union with yourself and to find some type of balance.
I’d like to offer some ways in which you could consider incorporating yoga into your day:
1. Being in union with yourself sometimes begins with finding the space & time:
- This might mean booking a class! A yin class can be gentler than a flow class.
- Using the space in your home with a YouTube link or an online yoga class
- You could practice solo or with others (little humans and pets count!)
- Really could happen in any space you’re in; office, home, outdoors, etc. I’ve even heard of others doing yoga at the hospital when they had a family member staying there. Yoga can be done anywhere!
2. Being in union with yourself begins with starting small:
Whether you have done yoga or not: I like to choose a few postures that I like. And there are a ton out there! If I am getting back into it, I am pretty kind to myself and choose the easier ones for my body because yoga is not competitive. Sometimes I will write out a plan and then add a spot to do some natural body movements such as swinging my arms, walking around, and shaking my body.
An example of a plan could be:
- Choose a breathing technique, such as abdominal breathing
- Try a simple seated posture for 3 rounds of breath
- Do your favourite posture
- Do some half sun salutations
- Freestyle
- Do a laying twist posture, then rest
It does not have to be long! I think 5-10 minutes could be a great starting point. It can be with some relaxing ambient music, some of your favourite scents, your favourite pillow, blanket and so on.
3. Being in union with myself means that sometimes I journal:
This helps me integrate the practice and reminds me why I do yoga when I reflect on my entries:
Some journal prompts:
- How am I feeling before yoga and how do I feel after?
- What things did I do in my practice?
- What types of things did I enjoy and what things did I find challenging?
And there you have it. I hope you appreciate these ideas, and that they give you a place to start integrating yoga into your day again. If you’re just starting, or if you have started and stopped before, it’s possible to pick it up again and feel the benefits.
Sometimes life gets hard and you need more than just yoga to boost your mental health. That’s when you can reach out to us here at Dóchas at 780-446-0300 or at info@dochaspsych.com.
About Dóchas Psychological
Dóchas Psychological Services is a well-established and trusted therapy clinic located in Spruce Grove, Alberta. At Dóchas we value the idea that everyone deserves a safe space. Through connection and education, our team works hard to build a trustworthy relationship with each of our clients. It is our goal to create a community for our clients to feel like they belong.
Disclaimer
Information provided through Dóchas Psychological Services blogs or vlogs is meant for educational purposes only. They are NOT medical or mental health advice. You can read more about our disclaimer here.
