Although Yoga is very much a physical practice, it’s mental benefits are a huge reason to consider trying it, whether that’s during pregnancy or not. So many people thank Yoga for a calmer mindset, reduced anxiety and peace of mind. So here are three things it’s helped me with and why I LOVE it!...
1️⃣ Staying Present: Yoga teaches us to work on living in the now and to try & let go of the past and the future knowing that this is out of our control. Being present means we can soak up the big and important moments while they are happening, which we can often feel have passed by us without us noticing! Being present in labour is also so important. If you can focus on one surge (contraction) at a time, you will have a much healthier mindset to get through it calmly.
2️⃣ Breathing. Being a busy mum and constantly spinning plates (who isn’t!?)I often have to stop and remind myself to take a deep breath. It instantly calms and re-sets me, to continue with tasks, or in times of stress it will help me re-focus. Yoga is all about breathing as you move, and using your inhalations and exhalations to nourish your mind and body. Think of it as drinking in the good stuff, and breathing out the negative stuff. If you practice this regularly, you’ll constantly feel more uplifted & positive 😊
3️⃣ Letting Go. Having kids makes day-to-day life pretty unpredictable! I like to know what my day will look like, but this is near impossible with little ones in tow! Yoga has taught me try and let go of control and accept something the way it is. In classes we have to let go of a posture when it doesn’t go as planned, or let go of tension in order to soften and release our bodies. Letting go helps us gain perspective which is something we could all do a bit more of. Because, at the end of the day, there are more important things to worry about than traffic, a late nap time or a poo-nami before leaving the house. Don’t get me wrong, they can be annoying (really annoying!) but try to let it go. You’ll feel so much better, and your day will feel brighter 💛