Did you know that Yoga can be used to calm and soothe the mind? This ancient practice is quite effective in helping us relax and de-stress. Through a series of poses and postures, we can exercise our muscles and joints, strengthen our spine, increase flexibility and stability, and balance our mental and physical health. These things all have an impact on how we think, feel, and behave. If we don't have a clear mental state, we can easily become depressed, lose productivity at work, and even have difficulty sleeping at night.
If you have ever used yoga before, you may have noticed how different the experience was compared to when you first started. Chances are, you may have noticed that you felt a bit more confident, experienced a greater sense of relaxation, and the stress and fatigue from your previous yoga experiences seemed to dissipate. When this happens, it can be a great motivating factor for using the techniques in yoga to calm your thoughts and body. Of course, as you become more adept at doing the poses and as you get used to doing the postures, the effects of yoga and calmness may diminish. It's just like anything else - as you become more practiced, the less you will need to practice to achieve the same effect.
However, keep in mind that these techniques are not only about physical relaxation. You also have to incorporate breathing techniques into your yoga routine. While it is true that yoga can relax and calm your body, it does not mean you should forget about taking care of yourself. After a stressful day, make sure you take some time out to rejuvenate yourself physically and mentally. This means eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of water, and getting some moderate exercise. These things will help replenish and recharge your energy.
If you want to use yoga to calm and clear your thoughts, you will want to place a yoga mat on the floor where you practice. This will give you a place to lie down, as well as cushion your body for better posture. It will also help you become more aware of your breath. When your breathing is regulated, you will become calmer and rested.
Before you begin your yoga routine, be sure you are wearing comfortable loose clothing. That way, you won't be having to struggle as you move through the poses. Also, be sure you use a mat that is free from sharp objects that could cut your skin. A good yoga mat has a smooth, even, the surface that is not slick. It also has a fabric that allows your body to breathe. Loose-fitting clothes will sweat and get sticky, which is not what you want to do while performing your yoga routines.
The second thing you need to do when using yoga to clear and calm your thoughts is to sit in a relaxed position. If you cannot find a comfortable place to sit, you may want to lie down on the floor or the couch. Make sure your back is straight and your mind is as calm as possible. Do your best to concentrate on your breathing. Concentrate on drawing your breath in through your nose and out of your mouth, slowly.
You can let your thoughts float and come to the forefront of your mind. When this happens, focus on emptying your mind of all thought. You want to become one with the world. Even though you might feel serene, you are still surrounded by million-strong minds. Trying to empty your mind will not bring peace to your tense nerves. However, when your thoughts have gone, everything else will cease to exist.
Remember to practice yoga on a regular basis if you are using yoga to clear and calm your thoughts. It does take some time, but the end result is worth it. You will notice that your stress levels have gone down, and you will feel like a new person. No more panic attacks, no more obsessive thoughts, just calm and relaxation.
