BY: TRISHA CURLING
This is a wonderful story I have told myself from time to time. Have you ever said the same thing yourself?
It’s easy to get caught up in the day to day responsibilities, but we then get to a point where our minds are telling us we have no time, but our bodies are screaming another message VERY LOUDLY! We might be experiencing pain, tension, lack of energy and/or focus and our body is demonstrating that in a number of different ways. These things can start to affect our performance in other areas, not to mention just our general quality of life. If you have the go-ahead from your medical doctor, here are five ways we can change that story by implementing even just one of these strategies.
1.Yoga stretches in bed
Did you know that you can do some simple stretches before you even get out of bed? When you wake up first thing in the morning, it is not uncommon that your body will feel less pliable. It’s time to jump-start your circulation and mobility. Doing something as simple lying on your back and taking one knee towards your chest at a time (with fingers laced under the thigh or on the shin bone can help to create some length in the lower spine, it can even encourage better alignment for the hips.
2.Wake up 10 minutes earlier
Waking up 10 minutes earlier means that you can get out of bed and head to your mat. Here is an opportunity to spend some time doing Sun Salutation A (for example). These movements will awaken and lengthen the hamstrings, create some flexion and extension in the spine, among other things, it can also encourage more mindful breathing to take with you into the rest of your day. Leave your mat feeling more refreshed and energized.
3.Practice yoga online
Can’t make it to a class or unsure what to do? Find an online platform that suits your needs. You don’t even have to leave your home. You can practice with a teacher(s) you connect within the comfort of your own living room. You can switch it off anytime you need to.
4.Find a yoga teacher in your area
If part of your desire is introducing yourself into a new space, connecting with a yoga teacher in your area is a great place to start. It can be a class or private one on one setting. Creating this type of accountability will help you to make more time. You will be less likely to tell yourself that you just can’t make it.
5.Office yoga
Simple stretches at your desk during your workday can help to boost your mood, therefore productivity levels and focus. Lengthening your spine and doing a simple twist by turning your body to the right (for example) and placing your right hand on the back of the chair for support, while the left hand is placed on the outer right thigh to create more of a twist can help to alleviate tension in areas like the lower back, neck, and shoulders (this should be repeated on the other side of course).
Start by telling yourself that you DO have the time. Choose one or try them all and you will see how one small step will encourage you to implement other changes over time.
