Yoga has grown massively in popularity over the past few years. But since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, it has gained much more respect and recognition across the globe. The restricted traveling, panic over the spread of the infection, distance from family & friends, anxiousness over the discovery of a vaccine and scarcity of day-to-day resources have all contributed to the increase in anxiety and mental anguish. Being confined to just our homes since quite a few months has been mentally challenging. With all kinds of benefits for your physical, spiritual, and especially emotional well being, yoga is something that is the need of the hour during this pandemic.
Since the novel coronavirus outbreak has left us with no other option but to stay at home safely, people inclining to practice yoga at home and making it a daily ritual have been increasing day-by-day. Yoga has known to be beneficial since ages, not just for weight loss, but in keeping anxiety and mental health in check and also for calming the mind. So, for anyone who has been always looking for a push to kickstart their yoga journey, this would be the best time possible.
Here are a few steps towards getting started with your yoga practice at home:
- Choosing a convenient and perfect time that suits you.
- Finding your yoga space in the house which is quite, clean, well-ventilated, and away from furniture or sharp objects.
- Getting the perfect yoga supplies that include a good quality yoga mat, blocks, belt/strap and cushion/bolster to sit on during meditation.
- Last but definitely not the least – finding your own rhythm and yoga routine & techniques that suit both your body and mind.
Rather than practising 100 different things at once, try sticking to a particular routine and wait till you start seeing the results & feeling the benefits. A few of the best yoga techniques include- Vinyasa yoga also known as ‘flow yoga’ which is known to have a positive effect on body, mind, and soul. It helps in strengthening the immune system, increases flexibility, relieves stress and improves focus & concentration. Power Yoga is a technique that provides many benefits to the body and mind and is an excellent way to keep you fit and healthy during these times. It contributes to improving sleep patterns & quality of sleep, hormonal regulation, releasing toxins and managing high blood pressure.
So, all in all, Physical & Mental health should be given utmost importance during these challenging times because anxiety and stress usually triggers the nervous system which can lead to increased blood pressure, tensed muscles, lack of concentration, difficulty in breathing, and yoga is all that is needed to bring in the calm. Also, it’s not always about the million new techniques that you have tried, but it’s all about the few handful techniques that suit you and are best for you. After all, consistency is the key when it comes to yoga and 20 minutes of yoga everyday will definitely be beneficial both mentally and physically during these tough times.