The Joyful Gift of Yoga

Posted

By Tameka Walker
Charm City Yoga

Somehow, it’s that time of year again. Summer is a distant memory and the crisp autumn air has turned to blustery winter winds. It appears the season of reflection, giving and renewal is upon us! Though the intention of the season is positive and merry, many experience anxiety and stress around these bustling holiday times. With gifts to give, shopping to do, traveling to plan and roads to traverse things can get rather hectic. But never fear - yoga is here to help you deal!

Research conducted at esteemed institutions such as Harvard, UCLA and Walter Reed Army Medical Center has shown yoga can significantly reduce stress responses in its practitioners. Who couldn’t use a little less cortisol and a little more peace of mind? Yoga has definite benefits, and with over 15 million people practicing across the country from all sorts of backgrounds, it offers something for everyone.

For those looking for some relaxing “me” time - a pleasant period of peace and relaxation after a busy day, the therapeutic, meditative forms of yoga offer the quiet and peacefully rejuvenating respite necessary to meet the challenges of the day.

Health practitioners recommend yoga more and more each year as a complementary treatment for patients recovering from injuries. Restorative, gentle and private yoga classes offer a wonderfully accessible pace to meet your health care provider’s requests and your body’s needs.

For those who want a bit more of an active class, beginners’ classes are a great place to start before advancing to a faster-paced intermediate class. For a deeper challenge and more vigorous experience, try the advanced hot vinyasa and ashtanga classes. A bonus is that hot vinyasa classes are a great way to stay warm in the winter!

Yoga reduces stress, increases flexibility and mobility, and eases the mind. There are so many forms of the practice, which makes it truly accessible to everybody. Each teacher also has his or her own unique approach to yoga, which gives students even more ways to enjoy the transformative practice.

So say goodbye to stress and banish the winter blues! What better gift to give others and yourself than the gift of peace of mind and strength in body and spirit?

Charm City Yoga is located at 160 Gov. Ritchie Highway in Severna Park. For more information, visit www.charmcityyoga.com.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here