| While there are several forms of yoga, the most | | | | Yoga helps to relax the body, oxygenate the blood, |
| popular form in the Western culture is called Hatha | | | | and soothe anxiety and stress. By doing so, it |
| yoga. This form of yoga involves 3 basics of yoga: | | | | promotes clear thinking. The intense breathing |
| postures (asanas), breathing, and meditation. Below, I | | | | exercises from yoga help free the mind from |
| will explain each of the 3 basics. | | | | distractions, worries, and fatigue. |
| Postures or "Asanas" - The body is viewed as the | | | | Meditation - This is a type of concentration that allows |
| connection to the outside world for the mind. As such, | | | | you to focus on the present moment. It gives you a |
| we can alter the state of mind by altering body | | | | sense of calmness and relaxation, and helps you to |
| posture. The way in which we carry ourselves can | | | | escape the stress of everyday life. In addition, it helps |
| influence our attitudes and emotions. Someone that | | | | to develop insight in facing and embracing life |
| walks around with their head down and sulking | | | | experiences. It gives you time to reflect on important |
| shoulders will have a difficult time having self | | | | things in your life. |
| confidence and feeling good about themselves. | | | | Two types of meditation techniques are concentrative |
| Achieving the correct posture can mean that your | | | | meditation, and mindfulness meditation. Concentrative |
| perspective on life and your thoughts can change for | | | | meditation involves focusing the mind on a single |
| the better. | | | | object, thought, or sensation. Mindfulness meditation |
| Yoga postures are known for strengthening the | | | | involves allowing your thoughts and feelings to float |
| nervous and circulatory systems. Inverted postures | | | | through you without reaction. In this form of meditation, |
| can help alter blood flow. With more blood flow to the | | | | you are simply just observing rather than reacting to |
| brain, this increases oxygen intake, which in turn can | | | | your thoughts. Although it may be difficult at first, it |
| enhance your mood and state of mind. Yoga is similar | | | | takes some practice. Eventually you will have no |
| to meditation except that it involves movement. It | | | | problems sitting back and relaxing while you observe |
| calms the mind and brings a state of relaxation, but | | | | your thoughts and sensations. |
| alert concentration. Yoga classes also help to release | | | | With the 3 basics you learn in yoga classes, it's |
| tension and emotional stress which takes a toll on the | | | | important to remember to stick to it and keep |
| human body. | | | | practicing. You will get the hang of it, and once you do, |
| Breathing Techniques - Breathing techniques help to | | | | the benefits will really begin to show. Having a strong |
| maintain yoga postures and the correct state of mind. | | | | and stress free mind is important to ones health. |
| Shallow breathing can lead to anxiety, panic, and fear. | | | | |