First, let's talk about what yoga is not. It isn't twisting into some impossible pretzel shape or sitting around chanting "om" for an hour. It doesn't have to be slow and it's not just for women.
One of my favorite instructors likes to say that yoga is just simply breathing, if you've ever just taken a moment to have a few calm breaths then you've done yoga.
The start of my sophomore year was rough for me. I struggled with anxiety, especially in social situations. I stopped going out in groups with my friends and I spent the majority of my time in my room being anxious over other stuff.
I wouldn't go to social events or even walk on local trails because my anxiety was so high it kept me from going out and enjoying myself. I was unhappy with myself and how I always felt tired all the time and stressed out.
I started my yoga "journey" in the fall semester of my sophomore year of college just looking for additional exercise and something to get invested in to stay active. Shortly after attending just one and sometimes two classes a week I noticed I was becoming calmer and relieved in my everyday life.
Eventually, I was able to attend class without a friend coming with me and I even branched out to other yoga classes and I started taking early morning ones as well. I felt a huge difference in my mood and my overall energy and I had this motivation to finally get up and get things done, it was like I had control over my anxiety.
After a couple of months of going to regular classes and even practicing a little at home I can finally say that I am happy with myself. I call yoga a journey because it took me out of my comfort zone and helped me push open my boundaries more.
Yoga has also given me lifestyle changes I never expected. I am healthier because not only am I more active but I am striving to eat better which also makes me feel better. I understand myself better, because I took the time to reflect on what I want and what I don't want in my life. I realized there was a good amount of negative energy around me, I took the time to recognize my own negative energy and focus on changing myself.
The best part of yoga? You can practice it anywhere. If going to classes just isn't an option, you can watch Yoga With Adriene on Youtube or even just Google poses you would want to try out. Have hip, back or neck pain? I guarantee there is a yoga sequence or a few moves to loosen out your tension.
I urge everyone to try out yoga, and if it isn't your thing then you can say you tried but, I truly do believe that yoga is what you make of it.
