Yoga is my healthy habit because it reminds me to be
present, to breathe deeply and connect to my true self. Before I found yoga, I
worked out at the gym 3-5 days a week. I got tired of the crowd, the loud music
and the monthly fees. I tried different classes, but never felt like I fitted
in. Yoga is a practice that resonates with me because it teaches acceptance and
non-judgement. It allows me to go inside and be in touch with the peace that is
in my true self. In this increasingly hectic and stressful world, we are expected
to compete, to do more and have more. Yoga allows us to slow down, to just
be. Studies show that stress is linked
to many health problems. Research shows
that stressed-out, type A people have a higher risk of high
blood pressure and heart
disease. Sudden emotional stress can be a trigger for serious cardiac problems,
including heart
attacks. Stress can worsen asthma. Studies
show that people with high stress store fat in their bellies and that pose
greater health risks than fat in the legs or hips.
Stress can worsen diabetes in two ways – increasing bad
behaviors like over-eating and excessive drinking. Stress is the most common
cause of headaches including migraines. Stress can also make you age faster. So
yoga is the anti-aging, anti-illness practice that works for almost everyone.
There are yoga classes for kids, for pregnant women, for seniors, etc. You don’t have to be flexible to do yoga. I
wasn’t balanced or flexible when I started my practice. I tended to trip and
fall, spraining or twisting my ankle several times. I couldn’t bend over and touch
my fingers to my toes. I was also uncoordinated. I felt like the worst student,
but I kept on going back. I am so thankful to all my yoga teachers because they
all encouraged me to focus on my breath, not to compare myself with others. To
honor my body and its limitations, to go to the edge (some discomfort is okay,
but not pain). I know yoga is my lifetime habit because I feel complete when I
practice. If you have never tried yoga before, I encourage you to start now. It’s
never too late.
September has been recognized as National
Yoga Month by the US Department of Health and Human Services since 2008. This national observance
and awareness campaign is designed to educate about the health benefits of
yoga and to inspire a more healthy and balanced lifestyle.
The campaign consists of free yoga classes, concerts and other special
events, to encourage people to practice yoga.
Get engaged - we are creating this inspirational awareness campaign
together:
- Yoga Studios | Update/add your studio
- Yoga Teachers | Add your profile
- Passionate Yogis | Volunteer as an Ambassador
TAKE
ACTION NOW.
Help us inspire the Nation and people around the world to start practicing
yoga, to deepen their existing yoga practice and to live a healthy and aware
lifestyle.
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