Some holidays are less about adventure and more about a way to unwind, relax and rejuvenate, a getaway from the hassle of everyday life and a much deserved one at that.
Yoga is a practice that aims to bring harmony to your life by aligning your physical, spiritual and mental planes of existence into balance. It comprises of physical activities called asanas and vinyasas, accompanied by breathing exercises called pranayama and finishing with a period of meditation. It stretches your limits and leaves you feeling refreshed after each session.
Yoga originated in Northern India over 5000 years ago. It has spread from the Indian borders to the wider world and different variations of the age-old disciplines are practiced throughout the world. Wherever they travel, the health benefits and positive impacts that Yoga has on an individual’s life is undisputed.
The traditional methods are still practiced in South East Asian countries such as Sri Lanka with fun add-ons for visitors to fully enjoy the experience. Solas Surf for example is a surfing retreat that also offers yoga as one of its main services to guests.
So what are the benefits of Yoga on your stressful life and how does it help you manage that stressful life better?
Sleep Improvement
Sleep is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle and Yoga helps your mind relax and stretches your physical body just enough to fall into a goodnight’s sleep thus ensuring that your body has the right amount of rest to take life on.
Increase in Energy
Energy levels increase as a result of the improvements in breathing and the stretching of muscles that leads to increased blood flow in your body.
Heightened Concentration
Another benefit to your body of the increase in blood flow is an increase in concentration. Meditation also helps this increase in concentration as it teaches you to focus.
Improved Relaxation
An improvement in sleep, energy levels, concentration leads to an improvement in relaxation as you are better equipped to handle the stresses.
Confidence Boost
The improvements in the different areas of life leads to a boost in confidence that is sure to make you stand out in any arena.
Better Fitness
Fitness consists of being able to handle the day and stresses of life with a bounce in your step and yoga helps you achieve a better level of fitness that balances your mental and spiritual health as well.
Helps manage chronic illnesses
Chronic illnesses like cholesterol, diabetes, arthritis, depression etc can be managed through Yoga. As the practice focuses on the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of an individual with a focus on balancing life and reducing stress, a factor that plays a part in such diseases being prevalent, it can be utilised to ensure a more holistic approach to fighting them.
Then why not give Yoga a try on your holiday and pick up easy practices that can be taken back home. Leave from your holiday relaxed and continue living a lifestyle that will ensure your able to tackle the stresses of life without burnout.