We know that yoga and chiropractic care are a perfect routine for many of our clients. We also know lots of you struggle with making it to yoga classes with your busy schedules. We talked to our friend Erin at Yoga Dia about some of the benefits of yoga and some tips to start a regular yoga practice at home.

Benefits of Yoga

A regular yoga practice can help you build strength all over your body, strengthen your core, and gain more flexibility. It also can help you quiet your mind, become more present and alleviate stress.

Many of us sit all day. Our hips are tight and our backs are achy. A simple yoga practice helps you move around and stretch your body out. Adding yoga to your routine can enormously help with your Active Care program.

Erin also says for her, it has let her appreciate her body. “Yoga has made me become strong, appreciate my body and what it provides for me.” She says her routine of yoga and seeing Dr. Cait monthly has her pretty much pain free after years of issues after an accident.

Taking the Time for You

Probably the hardest part about starting a yoga practice is making the time for it. We know this is a challenge for many of you, especially you moms out there. It is super important to take time for yourself even if it is 10 to 30 minutes.

“You give so much 100% of the day, you will be a better mom, wife, husband, friend, daughter etc. if you take a few minutes to do something for yourself. Your family will thank you. You will thank you.”

A regular yoga practice will help you be more balanced physically and emotionally.

Setting the Stage

Creating a routine takes a little setting up. You want to make your practice as easy to do as possible.

Create a little space in your house. Lay out your equipment if you can or have it rolled in a corner. All you need to start is a yoga mat. You could even set it up right next to your bed so it is the first thing you see in the morning.

Find a time that works for you. Lots of folks we know have success with first thing in the morning before their family is awake or they get caught up in the whirlwind of the day. What a great way to start your day. You can go through your day with more confidence knowing you accomplished this today and you will feel more balanced throughout the day. We also know some moms who make yoga their nap-time routine to help them get centered before the rest of their day.

Nailing down a routine

Don’t make yourself think about your routine. Create a plan and stick to it.

Here is one suggestion from Erin that you can do in 20 minutes:

Meditation can reduce stress and anxiety. The trick is to be still and try to quiet your mind. We have heard great things about lighting a candle and staring at the flame while you meditate. This will keep you focused on your meditation and not your grocery list.

This YouDoYoga article shares the benefits of daily sun salutations like giving you energy, lengthening and toning your muscles, being more centered and more.  

Inversions can help you flush things out of your system and can make you feel rejuvenated. Erin compared it to a fruit juice where all the fruit settles to the bottom. If we want that pulp, we need to shake it up!

At Absolute Health Chiropractic we always want to help you find ways to look after you. Adding a simple yoga routine can keep you strong and help keep you pain-free. It will also make you a better person for your family and for you!