Yoga has become a weekly habit; something for me, away from the demands of family and work.
A bad back and neck; a by-product of my travelling to and from work, a journey of one hour each way.
I had to do something to relieve the discomfort, but what to do? Somebody suggested I try yoga. I wasn’t really familiar with yoga and what it entailed, so I investigated further, and boy did I like what I found!
A discipline that has the power to calm the mind and strengthen the body was how it read, so I decided to take the plunge and give it a go. After all, I had nothing to lose.
I started with the beginner class on a Tuesday evening; no pressure and no judgement. Everyone was there with the same aim: to retrain their bodies and free their minds. There was a range of ages and both males and females were in attendance.
It felt good to clear my mind, pushing away the craziness of the workday, to be truly ‘in the moment’. It became a weekly habit; something for me, away from the demands of family and work. I’ll be honest, there were weeks where I could have opted out. Too tired or too busy, I found that by prepping my gear and having it laid out ready, I never did.
I enjoy having something for me, putting myself first and there is no guilt attached. My neck and back pain have improved too.
With COVID-19 came the need to go virtual; no physical classes permitted. It actually suited me better as I can now do yoga three times each week. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays see me take myself off to do my yoga. Even after the physical classes resumed, I continued with online instead.
I am now a yoga convert, espousing its benefits.
If anyone asks, I would definitely tell them that it is healthy to put yourself first on a regular basis; to do something that is just for you.
And for me, that something is yoga.
How do you care for your own health and wellbeing? Do you have a story you’d like to share with Wellbeing by Teacher? Here’s a handy guide on how to get started.
