I have an odd relationship with exercise. I know it’s good for my wellbeing including my mental health, and it will help as I age by increasing bone density and flexibility, but since having children I have found so many excuses as to why I don’t have time to exercise. I am not a gym bunny, that was apparent when I was finding I was going to the gym in my exercise gear, having breakfast and going home. I am no longer a runner, my dalliance with Couch to 5K resulted in some expensive physio treatment; my family who are all exercise addicts have put me in the ‘mum doesn’t exercise’ category.
During the lockdown, however, I discovered yoga. I had no excuses to find the time. It was a bit of a revelation. I didn’t have to compete with anyone, no one could see me, it was just me and the online yoga teacher who also couldn’t see me.
The impact that 20-30 mins of yoga has is almost instant. Despite the impression that yoga is slow and boring, flow yoga can be physically demanding, releasing neurotransmitters that help energise and balance hormones. It has a calming effect on the mind and the body, soothing the nervous system; so when it feels like the world around it running at 100 miles per hour, 20 minutes of yoga seems to help press the reset button. You don’t need loads of kit or loads of space. A mat or a towel, blocks or a few books and you are ready to go.
As we head towards a winter of uncertainty, National Fitness Day on 23 September highlighted the importance of having healthier, more active lifestyles. There are some great classes which are free online, including one we have used at QCS, Yoga with Adriene. If you feel you need some time, press the pause button for 20 mins and try some yoga?
