10 Reasons to Reconnect with Your Practice
New Year's resolutions are so 2014. This year, we're focusing on setting new intentions. What's on our list? Reconnecting with our practice. Whether you're a yoga warrior, you're estranged from your mat, or you've never given yoga a go-- 2015 is your year to reconnect (or connect). Here's why;
1. Look younger - You can stop searching for the fountain of youth and look no further than your yoga mat. With yoga comes healthier breathing, a peaceful mind, and a fit body-- all of which are anti-aging (you're welcome).
2. Better posture - Our practice helps make us more aware of our body position, which is a good place to start when seeking better posture. Try these three asanas and focus on your spine while doing each; child's pose, warrior pose, chair pose.
3. Stop snoring (your family and friends will thank us later) - Yoga poses (such as lion pose) and chanting will help clear out your nasal passages and open your sinuses. Snore, no more.
4. Yoga pants - Join the yoga pant party, and invite your friends.
5. Reduce road rage - We've all been there, stuck in a traffic jam when you're already late (cue Alanis Morissette). Thankfully, those breathing techniques you've been practicing in your yoga class will help. Inhale the good, exhale the bad (and don't forget to smile).
6. Manage stress - Yes, yoga will actually help you keep your cool during that two hour meeting at the office. In yoga, you learn how to steady your breath, tighten your muscles and hold a pose with a calm mind. This self-discipline can also be applied off the mat.
7. Bonding - True, in yoga you are connecting your mind, body and soul. However, you are also connecting with people who share your experiences and practice. A yoga bond is unlike any other, trust us.
8. Yoga hair - Embrace the messy top-knot.
9. Eat healthier - When you are hitting the mat more frequently, you are more mindful of the foods you are consuming. Nine times out of ten, you will knowingly choose a protein-packed smoothie post-workout, over a sugar-packed shake.
10. Develop your intuition - Contrary to popular belief, yoga is not all about flexibility. Our practice helps us confront things both mentally and physically. Through yoga, we are able to find the courage to follow our intuitive voices.
"You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself." – Alan Alda