If you’ve seen some of my previous posts, then you may already know that I’ve been practicing yoga for a couple of months now. It’s something that I’ve wanted to start doing since the start of 2019. I felt like it would be one way to refresh my mind and focus before I got my day started.
Before this, I never really thought much of yoga. If I’m being honest, I kind of thought it was silly when others claimed that it made them feel so good. How could stretching and contorting yourself into a pretzel make anyone feel good? But after seeing people close to me reap in yoga’s benefits and doing more research on my own about the subject, I slowly began to realize that yoga wasn’t just about stretching your body out to the max.
I like to do a 5-15 minute yoga routine every morning prior to having breakfast. Depending on how much time I have that morning, I may either do something quick, or take my time trying some new moves or techniques. This may not work for everyone, but it works for me because my mornings tend to start at somewhat different times. Doing what works for you and your schedule will ensure that you can fit yoga into your life on a regular basis.
Because my yoga routine varies in length, so do the moves I practice day in and day out. Sometimes I only do a few simple moves; other days are filled with more moves that are more challenging. I’m someone that, while I like routine, I need to change things up regularly, too. I get bored pretty quickly doing the same thing every day, so switching my moves and routine lengths makes practicing yoga more exciting.
Finally, the last thing I like to do during yoga is to listen to calming music. I can’t listen to a podcast because I’m too focused on what’s being said. Yet songs with lyrics are okay because I find myself not focusing on the words. Strange, isn’t it? But hey, it works for me, so who am I to question it? I think my habit of listening to music while I work has allowed me to listen to music while doing yoga because in both cases, I have to focus more on the task at hand than any song lyrics filling my ears.
Since I’ve started practicing yoga regularly, I have noticed several changes in myself. I’ve become a little more flexible, I’m more able to focus on work and whatnot during the day, and I feel a small sense of accomplishment. It boosts my self-esteem and well-being while improving my physical condition. Needless to say, I’m quite glad that I’ve decided to start practicing yoga!
Maybe this post will inspire you to start yoga. Or maybe you already practice yoga, and this only serves as more yoga inspiration. Either way, just go with the flow so that you can enjoy what comes your way.
xo,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Sarah Larkin 