3 Month Self-Care Challenge - Yoga

Last month I decided to spend more time on myself. Throughout the end of the year, I have decided to make a sincere effort on my physical, spiritual, financial, emotional, and psychological health each day. Like most of us, I have gotten used to being home during this quarantine and have become complacent. Here is what I learned after two weeks of yoga:

1. I am so unbelievably un-flexible! What happened? I remember just a few years ago being able to run down a beach without getting winded. Now I can barely touch my toes without my muscles objecting!

2. Yoga is not a passive exercise. Why I thought this would be a good gateway exercise makes me laugh! I have a newfound respect for yoga doers!

3. I have absolutely no core strength. I knew it was pathetic, but I had no idea just how far I have fallen of the “in shape” band wagon.

4. No matter how tired I am, I feel better after a session of yoga. I sleep better, I have more energy and I fill less stiff.

5. Taking it slow is nothing to be ashamed of. Sometimes you must modify moves for a while and that is ok.

6. A 20-minute yoga session takes a lot of focus for me. I have learned that I need to work on meditating and just being. I am constantly doing, going, watching, or listening. This is a skillset I can improve upon. I have learned doing two - 10-minute sessions is better than nothing. I will slowly work up to the hour yoga sessions.

7. Anyone can do yoga, there are all levels of ability.

8. YouTube has great beginner sessions. I recommend “Beginner Yoga with Adriene.”

9. Drink water after! No matter how “careful” I am, I can feel the stretches the next day. Water helps hydrate and heal.

10. Enjoy your experience! As weird as it is, yoga is just as much about the overall experience as it is the actual movement/exercise. Make the session your own and take time to relax after.

I will continue for another few months and check in with myself from time to time. Feel free to join me! Until next time. Namaste!