Yoga Teacher Training Forum

Five Yoga Tips for Less Stress

Yoga is a wonderful form of exercise that strengthens the body and reduces stress. These five tips will help you to get the most value from it. When your mind and body have too much stress it is hard to feel your very best.

Fitness Level

Always take your own fitness level into consideration when it comes to yoga. If you are trying to keep up with someone else, it is only going to increase your stress rather than reduce it. Even if you have some mobility limitations, you can still take part in yoga. Learn the basics and spend time challenging yourself with them. As you get stronger and more flexible, you can try some of the harder exercises.

Proper Form

Yoga is really only going to work if you are focused on it and use the right form. Watch videos on the Internet that show you step by step the right form that works for you. Another choice is to go to a class where you will be shown the right form. This can alleviate bad habits from forming in the first place. Without proper form, there is the risk of getting hurt.

Focus on Mental and Physical

Don’t think of yoga as just one more exercise routine. Instead, really focus on the benefits to the body that are taking place. At the same time, focus on relaxing the mind. There are breathing techniques that help to reduce stress. Eliminate all other thoughts from your mind while you are doing yoga. It will help you to feel more alert, relaxed, and to balance your mind with your body.

Make Time for It

With a busy lifestyle, it can be hard to find time for yoga. You have to carve out the time to do it though. Perhaps you can get up early in the morning and do it before you go to work. Maybe you can do it on your lunch hour. The point is to make it something you look forward to. Don’t push it down the list because at the end of the day it will still be unfinished.

Give it a Chance!

You aren’t going to know if yoga is valuable to you or not unless you give it a try. Make a deal with yourself to give it your all for one month. If you don’t notice reduced stress levels and feel better overall, then you can stop. If you do notice those improvements then you will stick with it. Most people find that they really do enjoy yoga and they look forward to the time they spend with the exercises.