Let's Get It "OM" - Yoga As A Form Of Self Care

Written by Jessica Hayes

“Quiet the mind and the soul will speak” - Buddha

Self-care has become a widespread movement, not just meant for self-indulgence, but calming, healing, and preserving oneself in the face of adversity. It has become a form of self-help that significantly improves both people's physical and mental health. It is a very flexible term applied to just about anything that people enjoy and find healing during a time of burnout, or when they need a pick me up. Life is busy, and having something to calm you down and make you feel good amongst all the craziness of everyday life is helpful and essential, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Practising self-care can help alleviate some of the psychological distress and anxiety caused by the pandemic and prevent lasting adverse psychological outcomes.

In my experience, yoga is one of the best self-care tools, especially during times of uncertainty. Spending time on your mat can benefit and improve your mental health, increase and improve your strength and balance, and reduce inflammation and chronic pain. I suffer from chronic sciatica. It can be excruciating -- sometimes making everyday tasks feel impossible; however, since I've started doing yoga, I can go weeks or months without being bothered by it. The key to getting the most out of yoga is to keep a daily practice, even on your busiest days. Yoga is a way for you to regroup mentally, take a moment to breathe and recentre yourself and honour your body and all that it does for you. You and your self-care matter, so make it a habit to include yoga in your daily routine.

We hear a lot about yoga's physical benefits, but there are tons of mental health benefits to yoga as well. Yoga can reduce stress, boost confidence and mood, improve social skills, enhance working memory, lower blood pressure, release natural serotonin and endorphins, and improve overall brain health and function. What's not to love?

I think yoga has developed a stigma around it from how it is portrayed in the media and popular culture, so I'm here to try to debunk that. In the media, we typically see people who practice yoga as fit, white, middle-class women who are already very active and flexible. Yoga was initially marketed to that type of person, so I can see where the stigma came from, but it certainly isn't true. Yoga is inclusive of everyone regardless of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, body type, ability, etc. - there is no one type of yogi; you can be anyone with any background - you just need to have an open mind and trust in the process.

Many people also associate yoga with complicated twists and poses that may be too difficult for them; this isn't the case though - there are so many different levels to start with and so many various yoga resources to utilize. There are in-person classes, but that's not always a viable option because lessons can be expensive. Fortunately, there are lots of free yoga classes online -- I find most of my favourite practices on YouTube, and you can even discover ones specific for your personal needs. For example, you can find yoga practices for the beginner; for back pain, anxiety, stress reduction, morning, night, better sleep, good digestion - you name it, it's there. Many free apps have yoga practices as well - I highly recommend HeadSpace, not only for the yoga but also for the daily meditations that are incredibly beneficial and calming for your mental well-being.

Through time, patience, and practice, you will be surprised by what your body and mind can do. Yoga is such a powerful tool because it engages us fully; mind, body, and soul, and allows us to be genuinely present in ourselves and the moment. It's such a raw form of self-love and care, and it's something I think everyone should try at least once. Remember, it's not about being good at something; it's about being good to yourself.

Namaste.