Whether you currently practice yoga or not, you need yoga to help you support yourself, your self-care, and your awareness and connections. You do not need the kind of yoga that wears you out or brings you down. So which is which?

Slow down and tune in to yourself.

Why yoga? These are science based benefits of yoga. It’s what the research says.

• Improves balance and flexibility.
• Increases strength.
• Helps with back pain and arthritis symptoms.
• Reduces stress and inflammation.
• Improves sleep.
• Increases energy and positive mental health.
• Supports stress management.
• Connects you to community.
• Improves self-care.
• Reduces anxiety.
• Improves heart health.
• Improves self-esteem.
• Improves posture and increases body awareness.
• Increases mindfulness and draws attention to mindful eating.
• Improves nervous system function.
• Increases range of motion in your joints.
• Relieves menopause symptoms.
• Improves quality of life.

So why aren’t we all practicing it?

Maybe you have seen yoga advertised by young, thin, female models who are in near impossible pretzel poses making the thought of yoga terrifying to you. Chances are - less than 5% of the population can actually get their bodies into those poses. These advertisements and Instagram posts do a disservice to yoga because the majority of people need or want the science-based benefits of yoga not a picture of a shape a person can get their body into.

There are fitness styles of yoga, high energy and impact, athletic types. Sweaty. Hot. Power. These are popular and prevalent in the West today and may be helpful to you if you want intense exercise and athletic training. Are you training for the Olympics? Or some other athletic event?

Maybe you are like those of us that could use some pain relief, movement exercise, and improved health and wellness. Move beyond fitness and stretching and practice slow and mindful yoga which can be therapeutic and helpful to your quality of life. Moving slow and thoughtful through repetition can help change your brain neuroplasticity. Changes to neuroplasticity and behavior takes time. Your nervous system will respond by switching from the stress response to the relaxation response with much more ease.

Some things you can try:

· Find a style of yoga and a teacher that works for you. You want to “want to practice yoga” – not “have to go to yoga practice.”

· Count on repetition improving your body awareness.

· Carve out time for your self-care. Show up for yourself.

· Learn best by doing.

· Find a support or accountability partner.

· Give yourself grace. There is no once and done solution or fix. It takes time, awareness, and practice.

· Limit your distractions.

· Remember chair yoga is accessible to most people.

· Don’t be afraid to learn some of the traditions and philosophies of yoga.

· Practice with an online community.

· Create the bridge between yoga and your health.

• Getting the benefits of physical exercise and movement through yoga is something to look forward to.
• Challenging yourself will help you make progress.
• Learning something new creates novelty and interest.
• Checking in with your spiritual and emotional health can help you pause before reacting.

The right kind of yoga is the yoga that you like and will enjoy.

There is no judgment! Just what your body and mind need today starting from where you are right now. Meet yourself where you are at. In the future, as you look back in time you will be pleased with your progress.

Remember - You are amazing! You are a unique individual with skills and stories to share with the world.

Science-based resources:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/9-benefits-of-yoga

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-benefits-of-yoga

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/yoga-benefits-beyond-the-mat

https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/fitness/science-based-benefits-behind-yoga

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/yoga-for-health-science

https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-whats-the-benefit-of-yoga/

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/yoga-effectiveness-and-safety

Create the bridge between yoga and your health.