This is a collaborative post
Having a chronic illness I struggle with a lot of forms of exercise. I have tried all sorts but one that I come back to time and time again is yoga
The great thing about yoga is you can practice it pretty much anywhere which, let’s face it, at the moment is very important. We can’t just pop the the yoga studio or gym so exercise we can do in our own home or safe outside space is a must.
There are so many great aspects to yoga:
One is that almost anyone can try it. I think there is a popular belief that to do yoga you need to be slim and flexible, that is not the case – I am certainly neither! The majority of poses can be adapted to suit an individuals ability and it is amazing how quickly you can progress if you practice regularly.
Another fabulous thing about yoga is you need no equipment, apart from a yoga mat.
If you enjoy yoga as much as I do you can even treat yourself to a printed yoga mat. There are all sorts of designs to choose from from; abstract prints, wildlife yoga mats, stones, the sea. In yoga it is important to focus the mind so choosing a yoga mat that aids that is hugely important.
Hippo Blowing Air by Johan Swanepoel available from pixels.com
How I practice yoga at home
I prefer to do yoga when I am alone at home. Having two young boys tearing around isn’t conducive to focusing on the task in hand but, especially lately, needs must and I manage to do it with an (unwilling) audience.
I clear a space in the living room large enough to accommodate my poses. I am quite tall so I need plenty of room. I have to push the coffee table aside and make sure there are no toys I might tread or lie on. I get myself a large glass or water, pop my yoga mat on the floor and find the lesson I want to do that day. I usually use You Tube on the television, it’s free and you can fast forward, rewind and skip as you like.
How long should you spend practicing yoga?
It is really up to you. I find 20 or so minutes each day, or every other day, is plenty for me and you will notice the difference in your posture very quickly. The key for me is to be kind to yourself. Having a chronic illness has taught me that you really must listen to your body, if you really don’t feel up to exercising then don’t. That said, gentle exercise is really beneficial to both body and mind. Just do what you feel comfortable with.
