Slow Mindful Yoga as a Daily Vitamin for Health and Wellbeing
We all know that exercise is good for us, right? (I’m going to assume you agree…..).
I’ve read that some doctors are starting to prescribe physical exercise to their patients, but generally as a society we undervalue the importance of prescriptive movement in healthcare.
There’s scientific evidence that shows getting our body moving and paying attention to our mental wellbeing may be the key to better general health. And since our minds and bodies are connected, when you move your body it affects your mind as well. The opposite is also true: when you improve your mental health your physical health also improves. It’s a back and forth relationship.
The truth is that many of us are disconnected from our bodies and we need to spend more time going within and engaging in some interoceptive practices.
While perspectives are gradually changing (thank goodness!) it is still common for a doctor to prescribe medication or refer us to a specialist before suggesting that our lifestyle may be a factor in our health problems. We tend to be more reactive than proactive when it comes to our mental and physical health.
There are many different ways to exercise our bodies, and for optimal health it’s advised that we engage in a variety of activities. Slow mindful practices are a perfect addition to any exercise program you are currently doing.
If you don’t normally exercise, or even if you already have a regular exercise program, why not give slow mindful yoga a try? Your body and mind will thank you!
Slow mindful yoga is not the same as strong, physical versions of yoga. It is a different way to practice and the desired outcome is not the same. Everyone, regardless of body type or physical ability can do slow mindful practices to improve their health because all movements can be adapted to your circumstances and capabilities.
Here are many potential benefits of slow mindful movement. These practices, done regularly, are good for:
◆ The health of your heart
◆ Anxiety and stress
◆ Depression and mental health
◆ Diabetes
◆ Mobility
◆ Balance
◆ Sleep
◆ Weight
◆ Stiff joints
◆ Chronic pain
How do slow mindful practices, done regularly, help all those things? It’s like a domino effect. When we engage in any mindful activity we naturally have to slow down. Slowing down will instantly lower our anxiety level (that feeling of being driven by a motor to go as fast as we can). If our anxiety is lowered then we’ll start feeling more in control, which will improve our mood, which in turn will help us make healthier choices - I’m sure you get the point.
Our thoughts, emotions, and behaviour all work together, so if you change one, the others will change as well. It’s easiest when we start with our behaviour. Therefore if you engage in mindful exercise (behaviour), your internal dialogue will change (thoughts), which will change the way you feel (emotions).
Slow mindful yoga practices include more than yoga postures. They include breathing practices as well as meditation techniques. Deep relaxation, visualizations, and moving meditations are all beneficial.
The final ingredient in a daily slow mindful yoga practice is mindset. Your values, goals, and internal dialogue (you know, the things you regularly tell yourself - that inner critic, the judger, etc.).
Slow mindful yoga helps you get to know yourself better, and by incorporating all these practices you will improve your health and overall wellbeing.
And that can only be a good thing!
Here’s a slow mindful practice to add to your day:
Nurture yourself with Nature - A Moving Meditation
Fall is the perfect time of year to get out into nature. The weather is often perfect for being outside. Nature is a great stress reliever and will help boost your mood. And - my favorite reason to get out into nature in the fall - no mosquitos!
Try this Moving Meditation on your next outdoor walk.
1) When you arrive at your chosen outdoor natural area (it could be a wooded trail or a park), spend a few minutes just taking in the scenery. Engage your senses. What do you hear? See? Smell? Look up at the sky, look down at the earth. Feel the earth beneath your feet. Maybe even close your eyes for a few moments.
2) As you start walking, walk slowly at first. Is the ground smooth or uneven?
3) If you’re in a park, maybe spend a few minutes on a park bench. Are there other people around? Can you hear cars? Or is it completely quiet?
4) If you’re walking in the woods, is there a log or tree stump, or perhaps a hill with a view where you could rest and soak in your surroundings.
5) Take pictures with your mind (as well as your camera) so you can sit quietly and think about them later.
6) As you’re walking, notice how your body feels. You may feel some stiffness and some body aches, or you may feel energized and move quickly. It’s your own experience, so it is perfect for you.
7) When you get home, write in your journal about your experience. Try to remember all the details - the sights, sounds, and smells, and emotions that you experienced.
You can find more slow mindful practices and journal prompts in my new FREE Build Your Resilience Toolkit. Here’s the link to download it right now:
And don’t forget to join my Facebook Group - The Journey Within Mindful Yoga and Life Change Community over here:
