Boosting Your Wellness Journey with Yoga
We’ve all heard of Yoga, as it's a well-respected practice in the wellness community. Over the years, it’s been influenced by trends such as goat yoga and hot yoga. There's even a current trend for bed yoga. Although westernized versions of yoga help engage others, facilitate community, and can definitely be social media worthy. There’s more to yoga than what is commonly shared or aesthetic fitness pictures. Yoga has a rich history and has many different varieties. In this article, we will gain a deeper understanding of the practice, its types, and its benefits.
History of Yoga
Originating in India, yoga is a practice rooted in spirituality. Its purpose was to unite us with our inner selves and to gain a deeper knowledge of life. In ancient times, this knowledge or wisdom was passed down from skilled teachers to their students. The teachings stem from Hinduism, containing philosophies and spiritual rituals, known as the Vedas. Through the years, the philosophies evolved. For instance, concepts such as meditation, breath control, and positions were expanded over time, with the physical body becoming one of the most modern focuses as a pathway to enlightenment.
In the past, yoga was dominated by men, and women were either discouraged or not allowed to practice. However, the practice is now woman-dominated mainly in modern Western societies. Here are other ways yoga has evolved.
Modern Yoga
Modern, westernized yoga focuses on the practice as an exercise, dropping its religious connotation. Another change is the switch from a spiritual to a wellness perspective. This could be to make the practice more palatable to diverse populations coming from a range of religious and faith-based backgrounds. Another consideration is the growing number of people not affiliated with a religion. Therefore, much of yoga today focuses on mindfulness, flexibility, and stretching.
Each yoga studio has its own philosophy and practice, so keep that in mind when looking for one. Ensure the studio aligns with your personal goals, wellness goals, personal beliefs, and offers the types of yoga that benefit you the most.
Benefits of Yoga
Like most healthy habits, when we incorporate them enough, they start to have a positive impact on us. Keeping a consistent yoga routine can help support both your mental and physical well-being.
***After going through a breakup, I turned to yoga to relieve some stress. I extended my normal morning session and prioritized slow-paced yoga, which gave me more time to breathe and stretch. I also ended each session with a meditation, giving myself time to reflect and process my feelings. I noticed a remarkable change in my mood and emotional regulation.
Key Benefits of Yoga:
Reduces stress, worrying, and anxiety
Boosts your mood and self-esteem
Improves flexibility and endurance
Supports emotional regulation and coping
Increases blood circulation
7 Major Types of Yoga
Yoga is not the same for everyone; your body composition, flexibility, endurance, and medical history affect your experience. It’s essential to find a yoga style that fits your personal needs. For instance, you may seek yoga as a relaxation alternative to your regular workout routine, requiring something slow-paced. Others may want yoga to fill in as a cardio workout, requiring something fast-paced. How would you like to implement yoga in your life? Which yoga types suit you the best? Although there are many types of yoga, seven tend to stand out and are more commonly known.
Hatha: A slow-paced form of yoga prioritizing breath, relaxation, and alignment. Also known as the go-to for beginners.
Ashtanga: This is an intensive style of yoga that follows a specific sequence. It helps develop discipline and endurance. Suggested for intermediate to advanced practices.
Vinyasa: Also known as flow yoga, is a less intensive adaptation of ashtanga yoga. This slower pace and beginner-friendly style of yoga connect breath with a sequence of movements
Iyengar: A precision-based style that requires specific alignment, achieving the correct form, and getting the full effect from each pose. Typically uses props to support expected outcomes.
Yin: This passive, slow-paced style targets deep connective tissue. Poses are longer and more meditative.
Bikram(Hot): A popular and trendy style of yoga practiced in a hot room. Comes with a series of poses that support deeper stretches, stress reduction, and blood circulation.
Restorative: A slow-paced style of yoga prioritizing rest and stress relief. Often include props to help achieve the maximum state of relaxation and stress release.
Also consider the setting in which you wish to practice. Visiting a yoga studio is suggested, as it promotes in-person community and bonding, or try virtual yoga classes or independent YouTube sessions.
Implement Yoga into Your Wellness Journey
Start implementing yoga into your wellness routine and explore the practice in ways that support your personal goals. For yoga products, explore the shop.
