Fitting everything we have to do into our day is a struggle and often it’s health and fitness that suffers. I’m talking yoga here because it’s something everyone can benefit from, even if we just take five minutes a day to breathe deeply.
I am leaving soon for India for a month of further yoga study and the only prerequisite is that I have a daily practice. For a committed yogi who has spent the majority of her life immersed in health, fitness and wellbeing, this should be a breeze, right? Wrong. But I have come up with some ideas over the years to help me do at least something each day.
Remember, yoga isn’t about spending 90 minutes on the mat, tying yourself up in knots. It’s about uniting body, mind and soul to improve your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
1. Complete breath: Deep breathing has a profound effect on your nervous system, calming you down and reducing stress. It is useful in times of tension, but practiced regularly will gradually have a permanent effect, making you a calmer person.
Get into the habit of noticing how you are breathing and practice anytime, anywhere: first thing in the morning when you wake up; waiting for the lights to change; when you turn your light off at night to go to sleep.
2. Meditation: Staying in the present and preventing your mind from wandering is incredibly difficult, but try this mindfulness meditation for five minutes a day and you will become much better at staying focused and enjoying life as it happens: stop what you are doing, sit or stand still with your eyes open and use your senses to become aware of your surroundings; listen to all the sounds – the rustle of the leaves, a dog barking, construction, traffic; any aromas – cooking, flowers, perfumes; take in all there is to see – notice the shapes, colours and textures; feel the air around you.
It’s surprising what you see for the first time in the most familiar surroundings.
3. Yamas/Niyamas: The first two limbs of yoga. Although on the surface it may not appear to have much to do with yoga, they are the very foundation, greatly improving your emotional/mental state and having a positive impact on your spiritual growth. Some ideas:
Ahimsa (compassion for all living things) can be easily practiced. It doesn’t have to be financial – an encouraging word or an offer of help can make someone’s day and it’s good for the soul;
Sauca (cleanliness and purity) can really help clear a mental block. Just clearing the clutter from a wardrobe, drawer, desk or garage can bring about a clarity of mind that allows you to achieve more in your day.
4. Stretch and balance: If you are sitting at a desk all day, driving or just generally hold a lot of tension in your upper body, take some time to stretch out your arms, neck, shoulders and add a spine twist.
Try standing on one leg and lifting the other knee to improve balance; finish/start your day with 10 minutes of stretching.
