Flow into calm: the benefits of yoga
Harvard Medical School's introduction to yoga notes how a staggering 90 percent of doctor visits stem from stress-related conditions.
While we may take pills for stress, the university notes the following important ways yoga helps the multiple systems in your body:
It reduces depression, anxiety and stress levels
It boosts your immunity.
It reduces your need for diabetes medication.
Through helping you develop inner awareness, yoga helps you focus on your body's current abilities. With studios not typically having mirrors, this helps people 'focus their awareness inward rather than how a pose - or the people around them - looks,' according to Harvard medical School.
Types of yoga and they focus on
Hatha: A physical type of yoga that is a combination of many styles.
Vinyasa: A dynamic style of yoga that focuses on the connection between breath and movement.
Ashtanga: A form of Hatha yoga that includes a sequence of poses.
Iyengar: A precision focused yoga style.
Yin yoga: A slow-paced yoga style that focuses on stretching and lengthening deep connective tissues.
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Joburg-based yoga teacher Tidimalo Sehlako suggests you recognise that consistency becomes difficult when you choose activities you don't like. She offers these helpful tips for beginners:
Start small - begin with manageable practices that don't overwhelm you
Choose activities you genuinely enjoy - this helps you sustain your practice during challenging times
Begin with just five minutes on the yoga mat if you're new.
Allow your practice to 'snowball' naturally into bigger commitments over time.
Understand that seasons of life get hectic - choose practices you can maintain during busy periods.
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