Yoga was not something that even remotely hit my radar up until the past couple of years. I knew it was there, but I didn’t do much about it. Being a dance major, I always thought it was just an exercise “thing” to make you more flexible.

Let me tell you, it is so much more than that. Now that I have been practicing yoga more and more, I can tell that my mental and physical health has improved significantly.

When you search the word yoga, you will find this definition: a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, a part of which, including breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures, is widely practiced for health and relaxation.

For me, personally, I find the most comfort within yoga practice in my breath.

At the mere age of 9 months old, I was in the hospital for a few weeks with a respiratory infection. I had a lot of breathing treatments, such a fun time! Well ever since then I’ve had a hard time consistently breathing through my nose, therefore making me a mouth breather, for the most part. Since yoga focuses on your breath and using your breath throughout your movement, it has helped me immensely. Now I don’t look like a gasping fish on land!

That’s not all. Practicing yoga has become something I do daily, usually at least twice a day. I can feel and notice the difference physically and mentally. My mind is clearer, I don’t get as much anxiety as I used to, I’m more positive and I just feel better overall. My practice isn’t perfect, it never will be.

Just the fact that I’m trying and working on it is enough for me. The practice of yoga is soothing yet challenging. I’ve also found myself following more yogis on social media, which gives me a lot of inspiration, especially for practicing my handstands!

I also have found that meditating for at least 10 minutes a day makes a BIG difference. If I can't manage to get myself out of bed early in the morning, I'll meditate at some point in the day and immediately feel better. I highly encourage this practice; It has made me much more productive.

My yoga journey is really just beginning. In such a short time I have found much more happiness and stability in my life. I can honestly say it has changed me for the better.

I encourage everyone to dabble into yoga, even if it’s just something small. You will feel and see the difference. Others will too! Your pet might even join you in some yoga time as well!