Take it Easy and Relax at All Times

Yoga should never be done in haste – no matter how little time you have on any particular day. When you hurry through your sequence of asanas, you are going against the very core of the idea of yoga, which is to slow down! Most parts of our lives are governed, ruled, and indeed rewarded by the idea of speed. Yoga takes that rule and flips it around. The slower and the more mindful your practice of Yoga is, the bigger the benefits. Do not try to rush through postures. Also remember that resting poses are as crucial as the active ones, and warming up is also as important as cooling down.

Yoga is not meant to be a competition - even with yourself! Yoga is meant to help you move with the flow and rhythm of your body, and not hold your body to ransom. Even if you are an advanced practitioner of yoga, there may be times when you’re recovering from an illness or injury, or you may be just plain tired. In those times, there is absolutely no harm if you simply go back to practicing like a newcomer. Your body may also be affected by many factors such as hormones, hydration, moods, stress, levels of activity, and emotions. Ancient Indian yoga tradition always stresses the fact that where your mind goes, your circulation goes.

There is logic in the way that postures are sequenced in Yoga. The art of sequencing involves placing the postures in a specific order to maximize the benefits. A proper yoga therapy program takes into account your final goal and the most effective and safest way to reach it. If you are new to yoga or pressed on time to practice yoga, it is best to stick to a sequence in a group class, or as advised by personal yoga teacher.

Even if you practice all of these methods, don’t expect your flexibility to improve overnight! It took time for our bodies to become stiff, and it will take time for them to open up again. Remember that in the end, yoga’s not about flexibility! It’s about being in the moment, practicing for practice’s sake, and accepting yourself as you are. 

Many people find that switching to a more ‘alkaline diet’ increases their flexibility without even making any other changes. For a more flexible (and healthy) body, increase your intake of vegetables, especially dark, leafy and wild greens, fruits, herbal teas, nuts and seeds, and spices like turmeric and ginger. Reduce or eliminate: caffeine, alcohol, sugar and processed foods, and animal-based products.