The benefits of yoga and meditation are numerous. There is nothing better to keep your mind and body balanced than yoga and meditation. Lowering levels of stress is especially important right now to keep our bodies healthy. As the world faces the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone in the world has had to adjust their daily lives. Many people have been affected financially, emotionally and physically. While we all work hard to follow precautionary measures to stay healthy and flatten the curve of contagion, why not incorporate the practices of yoga and meditation into your daily routine? They are incredibly powerful tools to help you stay grounded, present and healthy during these difficult times. A well deserved vacation to Mexico is also a great way to relax. Garza Blanca Resorts in Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas are opening soon and ready to welcome back guests. Contact Garza Blanca Resorts today to book your summer vacation to paradise. In the meantime, read more below about the benefits of yoga and meditation.
Origins of Yoga
To start with, yoga has been around for thousands of years. Although yoga has experienced increased popularity in the last few decades, yoga actually originated in the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India over 5,000 years ago. In fact, the word yoga is even mentioned in the oldest sacred texts known as the Rig Veda, a collection of texts containing songs, mantras and rituals to be used by Brahmans. Many centuries later, yoga gurus from India introduced yoga to the Western world. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Yogi Swami Vivekananda adapted the yoga tradition. He developed yoga into a posture-based physical fitness, stress-relief and relaxation technique. In addition to the physical benefits of yoga, it has a meditative and spiritual core that provides full mind and body benefits. Everyone can use a little bit of that in their lives right now!
Benefits of Yoga
First of all, yoga is a great way to keep your mind at ease and your body strong and flexible. Especially when combined with other forms of exercise such as cardio, yoga is a great way to keep your body lean, too. Plus, yoga improves flexibility and increases muscle strength and tone. In addition, people that regularly practice yoga report improved respiration, energy and vitality. Also, yoga helps to maintain a healthy weight and balance your metabolism. It even helps cardio and circulatory health and can keep your body limber and in top shape to protect yourself from injury. The sense of connection between your mind and body during and after a yoga practice is extremely advantageous to good health. If you want a stress reliever that is good for your body and soul, yoga is a top choice. Plus, you can easily practice yoga in the safety of your home. Many yoga studios are even offering live classes online, or you can find videos on YouTube to enjoy a class whenever it suits you best.
Benefits of Meditation
In addition to yoga, there are many benefits of meditation.To start with, meditation is a practice where you slow down and try to allow the mind to go blank. There are guided meditations available that you can listen to, or you can simply find a quiet spot to sit and practice deep breathing techniques. In addition, mindfulness is an important skill to improve the benefits of meditation. By simply paying attention to the present moment, you are practicing mindfulness and not letting the busy world overwhelm your senses. When talking with another person, really focus on what they are saying and practice good listening skills. Avoid multitasking and make sure you are living in the here and now. When cooking or cleaning, be mindful by paying attention to the process and enjoying each small moment. Meditation is a great tool that can help calm our minds and improve overall health.
Breathing Techniques
As part of yoga and meditation, breathing techniques are great ways to focus on lengthening the inhaled breath and exhaled breath to reduce stress. Try directing the breath into the stomach or the chest, and focus on deep, slow breathing. Breathing techniques bring a sense of calm to the mind by slowing the breath. As a result, heart rate slows down and the nervous system is activated. Breathing techniques and meditation allow the body to move into a state of restful peace. Maintaining a state of calm actually strengthens the immune system, too. When we are stressed, the body diverts energy away from the immune system to deal with the root of the stress. However, by relaxing and staying calm, we can redirect energy to improve our immune system. That way, our bodies will be healthy and ready to combat any viruses or illness that comes our way which is especially important during the current coronavirus pandemic.
Although the future is uncertain, one thing we have control over is where we channel our energy. As we all hunker down at home to stay safe during the coronavirus crisis, we hope our above tips will make it easier. By practicing meditation, breathing techniques and being mindful, you can help reduce stress and stay healthy. Remember, you have control over how you respond to your overall life experience. While it can be difficult to stay grounded and maintain calm at this time, practicing yoga, meditation and breathing techniques are great places to start. Also, don’t forget to book a vacation to Mexico at Garza Blanca Resorts. They are reopening now with updated safety and hygiene protocols to keep guests and vacation club members safe to enjoy vacations in paradise. Call today and book your getaway to Mexico at Garza Blanca Resorts.
