Heal yoga thyself with Yoga

A conscious approach to yoga postures (asanas) is an ideal formula to de-stress beyond the mat

We invest our time and effort to make a living for our survival, but never do we think of the point of survival without a healthy body, mind and spirit. Most people relate to yoga as a physical exercise, which is one of the important aspects for sure to maintain optimum health. However, if one digs deep into the roots, it is actually a way of life, not just that one hour on the mat!

With a fortunate exposure to yoga in philosophy, psychology and technique from authentic schools of yoga in India, like The Yoga Institute, Sivananda Ashram and many more, it has been clearly observed and tested by me as a yoga teacher for 15 years now, that many of the diseases, mental and physical can be reversed with yogic lifestyle changes in one's routines, pranayama (breathing exercises) and attitude. I would like to share some tips one can incorporate in daily living that combat stress levels in the new normal.  

Soothe your stomach
A simple technique of Vajarasana (Thunderbolt pose) for 10 mins helps with good digestion and reduction of acidity. If the asana on the floor is difficult, one can sit up with an erect spine, completely touching the back of the chair too. Practising this asana after meals alone makes a huge difference to acidity and constipation problems.

Adapt to the present
Whilst everyone is coping with the constant changes, acceptance is the key to calm the unsettled mind. As they say, what you resist persists more, hence, if you bring in the yogic attitude of acceptance and focuses on what you can do, instead of what all you cannot, that will automatically take you in the direction of being present and mindful, and dive deep into the potential of being creative in the 'now'. The yoga sutras written by Patanjali emphasised on all aspects of a human-being and discipline of the mind. Focusing on the present is one of the first points of guidance. Hence, if one is disciplined with the above two practices for the physical and mental body, the stress levels surely will reduce.

Ease your mind
To channel or give expression to one's emotions, the psychology bit of yoga gives a technique, which is also now used by neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) practitioners in the modern day. The technique of writing 10 positive points at the end of the day is the best way to conquer over that over-thinking and negative mind.

Take conscious breaths
To calm the mind, 10 rounds of simple equal breathing is highly recommended on an empty stomach. This can bring a magnitude of difference to your life.

Sneha Arora of YogiHearts is a seasoned instructor that brings wholesome physical, mental and emotional peace through yoga practice.