Here are some reasons for why I have been incorporating aspects of Yoga into my daily life:

1. It reduces my anxiety: Concentrating on connecting my breath with movement dramatically reduces my anxiety every time. Even doing a light 20 minute practice improves my mind set.
2. It helps me focus: Taking in deeper breaths and therefore increasing the oxygen and blood flow to my brain does increase my focus. If I am feeling restless while working from home, I do about 5 minutes of flow (downward facing dog, plank, upwards facing dog, on all fours, child’s pose) to help increase my focus.
3. It helps me sleep: As it helps reduce my overall stress level, doing some balancing poses and supine poses are good for getting me ready for bed.
4. It improves my strength and flexibility: This was one of the main reasons why I started to practice in the first place. I wanted to increase my body’s overall strength. Because a strong body harbors a strong mind.
5. Improves back pain: As I increase my strength and flexibility, I noticed my lower back pain from sitting all day at work and school was significantly improved.

What has been essential for your self care practice?