If you're reading this, chances are you're juggling way too many things at once, and your brain feels like a browser with 1,000 tabs open. Stress is practically a modern-day epidemic, and if it’s not handled properly, it can seriously mess with your sleep, your mood, and, well, your whole life.
But here’s the good news: Yoga might just be the magic you need!
Stress? Meet Yoga, Your New BFF
So, why yoga? First off, let’s bust a myth: yoga isn’t just for the super flexible, expert meditators or those who can balance on their heads. Yoga is for everyone— even with a stiff back and busy life. Read my blog on why ‘Yoga is for Everyone’ here.
Yoga works wonders for stress because it’s all about slowing down and focusing on the present moment. When you’re stressed, your body is in “fight or flight” mode, which is great if you’re running from a tiger, but not so much when you’re trying to get through your day without wasting your vital energy. Yoga helps switch your body over to “rest and digest” mode, which is like a mini-break for your nervous system.
The Science Bit
You might be wondering, “How does stretching help me chill out?” Good question! It’s all about the breath. Yoga encourages slow, deep, mindful breathing, which can lower your heart rate and reduce the production of stress hormones like cortisol. Basically, when you breathe like a yogi, your brain gets the message that everything is A-OK, and you start to relax.
Plus, the physical aspect of yoga—those
stretches and poses—releases tension that you didn’t even know you were holding onto. Ever notice how your shoulders are practically touching your ears when you’re stressed? Yoga helps you unclench all that tightness, leaving you feeling so much lighter.
We also explore the philosophy of yoga in a Sole 2 Soul class which helps you understand how mindset, lifestyle, mastery of the mind and the ancient yoga teachings can help you see things more clearly and cultivate an open and positive attitude.
Sleep Tight: How Yoga Can Help You Catch Those Z’s
Now, let’s talk sleep. If you’re tossing and turning at night, replaying every awkward conversation you’ve had since 2012, yoga could be the answer. The same principles that make yoga great for stress relief also make it a game-changer for better sleep helping you unwind after a long day, giving your mind a chance to slow down.
Certain poses, like the classic Child’s Pose or Legs-Up-The-Wall, are especially calming and can help you ease into a state of relaxation that’s perfect for bedtime.
Slow breathing (particularly lengthening the exhale) and the positive mindset that yoga promotes, also helps calm the mind ready for sleep.
But yoga doesn’t just help you fall asleep—it helps you sleep better. Studies have shown that people who practice yoga regularly fall asleep faster, sleep longer, and wake up feeling more refreshed.
Who doesn’t want that?
But I’m Too Busy.. or tired..
I hear you. We’re all busy. But the beauty of yoga is that it doesn’t have to take up much time. You don’t always need an hour-long class (or any fancy leggings) to reap the benefits. Even just 10 minutes of gentle stretching and deep breathing before bed can make a huge difference in how you sleep.
And if you’re really pushed for time, there are yoga practices specifically designed for stress relief and better sleep that you can do in your pyjamas, right next to or even in your bed!
And believe me there have been times I’ve felt rushed, shattered and not feeling like going to yoga at all… but after that hour, I’ve always been so glad I did!
It's hard to fully explain the perfect combination of feeling energised yet chilled you get after the session - in my opinion, the perfect human condition!
Ready to Roll Out the Mat?
So, are you ready to give yoga a go? Remember, you don’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to turn yourself into a human pretzel. Just show up, breathe, and move in a way that feels good for you and say hello to reduced stress and better sleep.
At Sole 2 soul yoga we have made it really easy for you to get started
Join us in a Live stream Zoom Classes
27 classes a week you can join from your home on zoom live stream.
From 15 minute meditation and breath work sessions to 90 minutes full on classes and everything in between.
Members Anytime recording Library
We have 100’s of anytime recordings available to stream at a time to suit you.
From 10 minute drills and technique to help you with injuries or tricky poses to meditations to full classes of all styles from relaxed to more challenging.
Most sessions are recorded in a real life class so you feel you are there… with all the class banter.
Have a little nose around our library at the below link.
In studio classes
Our beautiful rural studio is where we welcome you in person in Nether Whitacre, North Warwickshire B46.
We have 13 classes in the studio each week plus workshops
You can drop in to any of our classes (pay as you go) or join our inclusive no contract Monthly Membership for just £39 per month.
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