Moving Daily

This one might seem obvious: yoga instructors naturally engage in yoga. While yoga encompasses a philosophy far beyond merely physical postures, teachers spend considerable time moving and breathing through various poses. Regular physical activity is essential for both physical and mental well-being. Yoga, in particular, enhances strength, balance, and flexibility. Personally, I find that it has significantly alleviated my anxiety and depression. Yet, you don't have to practice yoga exclusively; any form of daily movement counts. Whether it's weightlifting or a stroll around the neighborhood, the key is to choose an activity you enjoy. If you dislike a certain exercise, it’s unlikely you'll stick with it. Consistency is vital, so find something that resonates with you.

Remembering Your Breath

As previously noted, yoga transcends the physical postures. A yoga practice devoid of breathwork is merely stretching. The art of breathwork has gained popularity as a wellness practice, and for good reason. Research suggests that breathwork can enhance mood, lower blood pressure, and improve concentration. Many modern breathwork techniques stem from traditional yogic practices known as pranayama. These breathing techniques, which often focus on breath retention, can dramatically shift your mood. If you're curious about yogic breathwork, I've explored this topic in past articles. Start gradually; perhaps begin with five minutes of deep belly breaths each day and observe the effects.

Creating Time for Stillness

While closely related to breathwork, I treat meditation as a distinct practice. In the yogic tradition, breathwork serves as a gateway to deeper meditation. For me, dedicating 10 to 15 minutes each morning to meditation is crucial for maintaining mental health. This simple act sets a positive tone for my day, regardless of what happens thereafter. Various meditation styles exist, from mindful breathing to mantra repetition, and you could spend a lifetime exploring them. What matters most is ensuring you carve out some stillness in your daily routine, whether that's a few minutes of mindful breathing or a longer period of reflection. If you enjoy nature, consider practicing meditation outdoors. In our fast-paced world, embracing stillness can be both challenging and transformative.

Nourishing Your Body and Mind

Yoga instructors aren't automatically nutrition experts, but the heightened awareness I mentioned earlier often guides us towards understanding what nourishes us. My favorite dietary advice comes from science journalist Michael Pollan: "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants." This essentially means consuming whole, unprocessed foods, being mindful of portions, and favoring a plant-based diet. However, dietary choices are personal; pay attention to what feels right for your body and consult a healthcare professional before making changes. Mental nourishment is equally important; I find that books and podcasts are invaluable resources. Whether it’s a yogic text or a gripping novel, don’t overlook the benefits of fiction—it can enhance mental health and critical thinking skills.

Embracing Self-Care

Once you've established a solid routine of movement, breath, and stillness, you can tailor your self-care practices to suit your preferences. This could be journaling, enjoying nature, or treating yourself to a warm bath and a glass of wine. The essence of self-care lies in the "self" aspect; you must discover daily rituals that rejuvenate you. Not everyone finds solace in nature or enjoys baths, and that's perfectly okay—simply identify what works for you. Self-care looks different for everyone, and my only advice is to prioritize it. Remember, you can’t support others if you’re not taking care of yourself first. As the saying goes, "You can't pour from an empty vessel." Embrace this wisdom.

Want more insights on self-care, yoga, and meditation? I share my thoughts on mindfulness and related subjects in my free weekly Substack, State of Flow.