Connecting and disconnecting is vital to our physical, mental and emotional well being. We are all interconnected to one another through our actions, relationships, work environment and social interactions. Whether these interactions are positive, negative, uplifting or just draining, we are all connected.
We have never been more connected to the world with text messages, emails, and especially through social media. Social media can be a wonderful way to connect with others but it does not replace the connection with the person or a group. Most of all the connection with yourself.
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Often these social media and online experiences can leave us feeling disconnected to ourselves. The pandemic definitely played a part in the disconnection along with social media, our fast paced lives, or focusing on that next big job, or reaching our goals. With all of these distractions or responsibilities many have lost the ability or time to connect with their own body, their physical health and mental health.
In order to regain that connection, disconnecting from the distractions of life or from the negativity in the world, from past hurts, trauma or judgements from others are key. Most of all, disconnecting from the daily grind and the stress from responsibilities.
Yoga can teach you to disconnect to connect
Yoga can be a way to disconnect from the world and yet connect to yourself. The time is yours and the focus is on you and what your body is capable of or may need at that moment.
Yoga means unity. Unity in connecting with others and also connecting with our own body, mind and soul.
Turning off the tv, and limiting the scrolling on the internet and instead spending that time with yourself. Just taking a break from work and obligations and responsibilities will leave so many benefits to your health and well being.
Yoga is something I didn’t take too when I began my fitness journey for myself or as a Personal Trainer. Over the years, I had friends and other fitness professionals encourage me to try yoga. I did enjoy it but I really had a hard time sitting still and even just taking slow deep breaths. I was used to weight training and cardio. It wasn’t until just a few years ago that I decided to once again try a class. I was recovering from a serious car accident and some other major life events. Left feeling exhausted, muscle and body aches and quite a few serious injuries. I wasn’t able to do my usual strength training or cardio, which was adding to trouble with sleeping and feeling stressed. As exercise always helped. So I thought why not give Yoga another try.
Yoga. It is a journey just like life
Yoga teaches you how to slow down, take deep breaths and release stress. Feeling where your body needs rest, or what needs to be stretched out more. What body parts are hurting and may need some more work. Where flexibility is improving or where you may need to focus on that area a little more. Just like life, where adjustments are needed, or sometimes taking the time to rest, focus or knowing when to push or not push.
Yoga takes strength, focus, breathing, and pausing in the pose. Learning to listen to your body and calm your mind. Connecting to you.
If you’re just starting out with Yoga you can do 1-2 times a week and begin with a beginner Yoga class. You can find yoga classes online such as YouTube with all different levels from beginner to advanced. Don’t worry if you can’t get the pose. The thing about Yoga is that it is so individual and the journey is yours and yours alone. You can also take a group class which is a great way to disconnect yet connect with others and yourself.
Once you start practicing Yoga some days you may be stronger or more flexible than other days. It is normal and if you look at life some days we may feel stronger or more focused than others days.
Some of the benefits of yoga
One of the fun things about Yoga is seeing your improvement over time. Being able to hold a pose longer, getting more flexible in a pose or even just being able to get into that pose you once were not able to do. The other benefits are clearing your mind, improving focus and concentration. Not only do you forget about the world but you’re able to connect your focus, breath and concentration and then carry these skills over into daily life.
Some of the other benefits can include improved breathing during yoga and workouts which you can also use this skill when life or a moment becomes stressful. Yoga improves flexibility, posture and mental health. Increases your strength and balance. It may help in injury prevention, decrease anxiety and can contribute to better sleep. I really saw all the benefits of Yoga on a personal level and as a Personal Trainer I decided to get certified in Yogafit and I really love teaching yoga or sharing my experiences with it.
Just squeezing in some time daily to connect with yourself and your own health. It really only takes 20 minutes a day to see the benefits. Taking care of yourself benefits not only you but your family and those around you too!
Yoga where it’s time to disconnect from the distractions of life and use that time to connect with you! Find that quiet space, turn off the world and disconnect to start connecting.
MICHELL TICKNER
Michelle resides in the beautiful city of Temecula located in Southern California where she is founder and business owner of Fitness by Michelle. Michelle has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, a YogaFit 1 Certified Yoga Instructor, and is Certified in Structural Integrated Fitness Training. With over 25 years of being in the Fitness Industry, Michelle brings her passion, knowledge and experience to making health and fitness a lifestyle that is attainable and promotes health and happiness.
Michelle is a mother of two and a soon to be grandma. Time is precious and limited, being a single mom really helped her to relate to the issues so many have with finding time for themselves while balancing family and work. Inspiring others to do this without it being expensive or time consuming is her passion.
In living the lifestyle she promotes you can find Michelle walking or doing yoga on the beach, strength training, hiking or biking on trails. She also enjoys traveling, fashion and spending time with family as much as possible while living the Southern California lifestyle.
