If you resolved to build healthy habits in 2024, you may still be looking for places to start. Healthy habits are more likely to stick if you start with one new choice at a time. Once you’ve started a habit, this new routine can lead to even more healthy choices. That’s why many people begin with a yoga practice. From building flexibility to practicing mindfulness, here are just a few ways that you can use yoga as a doorway to better health.
Preventing Injury by Building Flexibility
“Health” is a broad term, but when you start new habits, it’s best to focus on specific goals. Why not begin with increasing your flexibility? Increased flexibility can decrease your overall risk of injuries while broadening your access to other healthy habits. For example, maybe you’ve always wanted to try certain strength-building exercises, but haven’t had the range of motion to do so. By practicing yoga on a regular basis, you can gain the flexibility you need.
Improving Your Mental Health with Mindfulness
Yoga emphasizes mindfulness, which means awareness of being in the moment. When practicing mindfulness, you’re aware of your surroundings and senses. During enjoyable moments, mindfulness can help you make the most of your experiences. During difficult moments, it can help you accept rather than repress difficult emotions and acknowledge that the moment will pass.
Mindfulness is a great tool for overall health, but many people use it to help with specific situations or conditions. For instance, somebody dealing with addiction may try practicing mindfulness in recovery to reduce relapse triggers.
Building a Snowball of Healthy Habits
Imagine a snowball at the top of a hill. As it rolls down the hill, it picks up more and more snow. By the time it reaches the bottom, it’s much bigger than it was at the top. Your healthy habits can work the same way, building over time. Yoga can help you get started.
For instance, you might start a yoga practice to gain flexibility. However, as you go deeper into your practice, you may explore other aspects of the yoga lifestyle, such as eating healthy foods and prioritizing your spiritual or mental health.
Moving at Your Own Pace
Yoga can also promote healthy habits by letting you move at your own pace. When a lot of people think of yoga, they picture complicated poses, but the truth is that anyone can start a yoga practice.
Beginners can start with simple poses. People with limited mobility can modify poses to fit their needs, including practicing chair yoga. Those with very busy schedules can take bite-sized lessons at home.
Yoga doesn’t have to be intimidating. No matter where you start, yoga can open up a world of possibilities. Your new healthy habits can improve your wellness and change your life.