How to Bring Yoga Into Daily Life

Yoga does not only have to be practiced at the gym or in a studio on a mat with an instructor. You can enjoy many of the benefits of yoga--including detoxification, increased muscle tone and flexibility, decreased stress levels and general body stimulation--not only in your own home, but also at the office, on the train or standing in line at the grocery store. From breathing exercises to simple poses, the components of yoga can daily improve your mindset and your body. Read on to learn how to sharpen your practice as often as you can.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Practice Tadasana, or Mountain Pose, almost anywhere to stay grounded to the earth and tap into your Chakras, the energy centers in the body. Stand up straight while rooting your parallel positioned feet at the same time. Keep your feet close together with the heels slightly wider than the toes. Spread your toes and fingers, with your hands by your side. Keep the tailbone tucked and the front of the legs strengthened, pulling up the kneecaps. Inhale through the nostrils. Exhale out, through the nostrils or mouth. Feel your posture and the strength of your body, a body that is both lifting and rooted down.

2. Practice yoga breathing exercises, or Pranayama, to increase and control your life force and lower stress throughout the day. If you have a few minutes at home to sit in a comfortable position or lie flat on your back with limbs spread evenly (Shivasana Pose), begin breathing evenly and without effort. Focus in on your natural breathing rhythm rather than trying to change the rate. Notice the way in which your abdomen rises and falls. Clear the mind and appreciate your body’s existence.

3. Take a few side-bend poses at work if you feel the urge to stretch, improve your balance and revitalize your muscles during the day. From Mountain Pose move into Crescent Pose, or Chandrasana, by interlacing all of your fingers except the index fingers which come to a point flat against each other. Root your feet strongly and evenly while you raise your arms up above the head. Don’t let your shoulder blades poke up, rather keep them flat against the back and down. Arch over to one direction, stretching the side muscles and keeping your legs and gluts firm and steady. Take even breaths, come back to center and perform Crescent Pose in the opposite direction.

4. Perform yoga neck stretches at the office, at home or during your daily errands. Sit or stand up straight with your neck aligned up through your spine and to the crown of the head. Gently lean your head to one side without lifting your shoulders. You may want to stretch the opposite hand down and away from the direction the head moves toward. Roll your head forward and around to feel where you are most tense. Gently place the other hand on your head to increase the stretch. Take a few breaths. Come to center and practice on the other side.

Tips & Warnings

• Listen to your body. Ignoring seemingly simple practices such as good posture and deep breathing can add stress to your life and disconnect your mind and emotions from a body that is full of potential and strength.
• If you are a regular visitor to yoga classes, ask your instructor for tips on how to practice yoga stretching, toning, balance and breathing when you’re outside of class. The more you incorporate yoga exercises and techniques to your daily life, the more it will become an integral part of simply living.