Yoga is a mind-body experience. It isn’t just a way to increase fitness of the body, but also a way to enhance mental wellbeing. As you commit to yoga and decide to let it bring about all the positive changes that it can to your life, you will notice various differences. There will be some doubts, some setbacks to be sure. But when you stick with the plan you will be glad you did!
In the beginning
There could be pain. As you stretch never before stretched body parts and utilize muscles you never knew you had, your body will protest. So there may be a few aches and pains to begin with. Also the postures and the breathing techniques that yoga entails will require some practice for you to do them correctly. It is important not to get discouraged or to feel inadequate if you cannot perform an aasan as well as your instructor or even your fellow student.
One of the early benefits of doing yoga on a regular basis is a feeling of wellbeing after your class. You can feel refreshed and invigorated after your yoga session as opposed to tired and drained.
After about a month
After about a month of regular yoga practice you may notice that posture has improved and that you’re more mindful of your body’s physicality: you may stand, walk, sit differently than you have been. If you have been doing your breathing exercises properly and have been concentrating on your aasans the way you should, you may find that you can concentrate better on your work. Slowly you will find that you have a better grip on stress; that you can control overall stress levels better.
After a few months
Increased flexibility and improved core strength are some of the gains you will notice fairly early in your year of yoga. As your centering improves, you will find you are able to balance better. Where you were a little wobbly climbing atop a stool before, you may be steadier and more sure footed. Your range of motion will increase and improve, you will be able to touch your toes more easily, lift your leg up higher than before.
Probably more noticeable will be your leaner, fitter body and toned limbs as a result of regular yoga. As your clothes fit better and your body fat percentage reduces, there may be more compliments coming your way!
A few more months later
If you’re reaping all the benefits of yoga you may find that you’re falling sick less frequently as your immunity improves. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, chronic back pain and asthma are seen to improve noticeably with the regular practice of yoga.
A year of yoga
Lower blood pressure, stronger bones and lower anxiety levels are some of the longer term benefits of yoga which you could notice after a year or more. Healthier body weight reduces your risk of heart disease and also has obvious benefits for one’s sex life! So stick with the program, you may be pleasantly surprised with the benefits of a year of yoga!
Wishing all and sundry a very healthy 2016!