We’re living in a time of harder, better, faster, stronger. If the workout doesn’t leave you gasping for air with shaky muscles and the possibility of throwing up, did you even work out? Think of things like CrossFit, hot kickboxing, boot camp classes, and the like. If you enjoy that sort of thing, keep on keeping on! I’m not here to tell you to stop something that you enjoy, but I do believe in balance and I think that it is an important part of any lifestyle, whether it be food or exercise.

With these soul crushing workout trends comes another one: self-care. Finding something that you enjoy and makes you feel good, whether it be talking a walk, doing daily dog park trips, or—the point of this article—yoga.

Yoga is an ancient exercise for the mind and the body and is often discounted as “not enough." Well, dear readers, I’m here to tell you that it IS enough and that, if you find you enjoy it, you should implement it into your weekly routine. Now, let’s back it up—why is yoga and meditation so great?

Starting with yoga, this style of exercise comes in many different forms and intensities; you can have Yin, Ashtanga, Hatha, Vinyasa, and many more (1). Choosing the one for you depends on your goals and how you feel that day. These practices range from the vigorous and intense, like Vinyasa and Ashtanga—to the meditative practices like Hatha and Yin. One thing all of these styles have in common: peace of mind.

Each form of yoga offers meditative properties and a sense of self-acceptance. Namaste isn’t just a cute and fun catchphrase; it is a greeting that holds a heavy weight of respect for yourself and for others. You are not just greeting them physically, you are greeting their soul (2). In a world that is obsessed with our appearance, yoga allows you to let go of that and focus on the soul of person rather than their external appearance. The yogic lifestyle is all about taking care of yourself, physically and mentally. If you follow this ideal, your eating habits will improve and your stress levels will decrease, creating a happier, calmer you (1).

Before ending class, the phrase is often said, “The divine in me honors the divine in you (2)." Honor yourself and honor those around you. Find the good in yourself and the good in the world, and with that I say, “Namaste."

 

Information sourced from Health.Harvard.edu and MindBodyGreen.com