Open yourself to a renewed discovery of mind, body, and soul.
The origin of Yoga dates back to around 3000 BCE, in ancient India. It defines a set of practices that help you discover and empower yourself. The term, ‘yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit word, ‘Yuj’ which means ‘union.’ Thus, this practice is a fusion of mind, body and soul, through physical exercises and meditation.
Why Yoga?
People practice yoga for a myriad of reasons, but the first thing that usually comes to mind is Flexibility. What you must know is that there is a lot more to this practice than body twists and standing on your head.
Benefits of Yoga
- Meditation and breathing exercises: This helps reduce stress and anxiety, which is great for your mental health.
- Builds body strength
- Improves posture
- Mind and body awareness
- Improves the quality of life for terminally-ill or special needs people
- Builds discipline
How to practice
Whether you are looking to relax or work up a sweat, there is a yoga style for everyone. Know about some of the major types before you sign up for that class!
1. Hatha Yoga
This is the most popular style on this side of the world. It is a pretty generic term for practices aimed at stretching out your muscles and improving your body posture.
2. Yin Yoga
This is a slow-paced style that requires little or no physical effort. All it asks is that you sit still and become one with your mind, for long periods of time. It is a meditative exercise that helps with finding inner peace.
3. Vinyasa Yoga
This is generally considered as the most athletic style. Often referred to as ‘flow’ Yoga, this style is fluid and ever-changing. It is a practice that connects your breath with your movement in an aim to help you discover what’s most sacred to you.
4. Restorative Yoga
After a long day dealing with everything life throws at you, this will help you find your core. It focuses on cleansing your mind, relaxing your body, and preparing you for your next step.
5. Ashtanga Yoga
Similar to Vinyasa but with less movement, Ashtanga means “Eight limbs” in Sanskrit (An ancient Indian language). What is referred to as ‘limbs’ are a set of eight practices designed for all-round restoration. Therefore, if you are looking for a style that covers physical, spiritual, and mental needs, this is it.
6. Prenatal Yoga
One of the best things to do as an expectant mom is adding this exercise to your routine. It helps build strength in your pelvic region, improves your breathing, and helps you bond with your baby. You can start as early or late in your pregnancy as you want, so long as you feel physically stable.
In conclusion, Yoga is Philosophy’s gift to all-round wellness, for every individual. If you are planning to enhance your life from body to soul, make this a part of your new year resolutions.
Read about some truly life-changing things you can do before 2021 here.
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