If you are reading this article in a public place look around and see how busy and stressed many people are. Look at those who are in a rush, on their phones or iPads .

How many of them are really taking any time out for themselves?

We are constantly ruled by other people or technology, people very rarely focus on the present moment, we’re always thinking about what we’ve got to do later, what we’re going to eat for lunch/dinner, waiting for the weekend.

What we should be doing is enjoying that very moment, making the most of each moment of every day.

It’s not easy and I admit I’m guilty of focusing on what’s coming up and worrying whether I’ll have time to fit everything in.

But what has helped me in a huge way is yoga.

Practising yoga calms your mind. Your are forced to take time out for yourself and focus on that very moment, how your body feels, your breathing, calming your mind – the more you do it the more achievable it becomes.

The benefits of yoga are endless, but let me list just a few for you:

* Increases flexibility and improves strength throughout the entire body and increases muscle tone
* Improves respiration and increases energy levels
* Increases metabolism and helps reduce weight
* Improves cardio and circulatory health
* Helps improves athletic performance and protect from injury
* Reduces stress levels and cortisol, your stress hormone. When is constantly elevated it makes it nearly impossible to shift body fat and can cause weight gain, especially around the mid-section.
* Reduces headaches and migraines
* Improves sleep, makes you a calmer person and helps you to find inner peace
* Encourages you to appreciate your body
* Increases confidence

Yoga isn’t all about tying yourself in knots. One of the main reasons many people practise yoga is for the beneficial effects on the mind as well as the body.

Start with a very basic class which is open to anyone and everyone, no matter what your age. At most yoga classes you attend you’ll find that people will not judge you – everyone is there for themselves. The kinder you are to your body the quicker you will develop in both mind and body. I guarantee if you give yoga a chance it really will enrich your life. It is just as important as any other form of exercise in helping you to live a fitter, healthier, happier longer life.

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