My yoga teacher recently posed the question to my yoga class, ‘What does yoga mean to you?’ This question really got me thinking, as over the last few months, my yoga practice has really changed. When I first started yoga, for me it was a series of stretches and exercise. Recently, especially since I have also started regular meditation, it means so much more.

It is much more holistic and is about my mind and body. Its about breathing, focus, calmness, relaxation, stillness and meditation. It keeps me grounded, it helps me feel more in control, gives me clarity, it keeps me calm but at the same time gives me energy. It makes me feel stronger and I like how it makes my body look. It quietens my mind, it stops my anxiety. It helps me feel more present and feel at peace. It makes me feel happy.

Here are a few reasons to practice yoga:

1) Calmness

Following all the deep breathing in yoga, it  leaves you with a great sense of calmness

2) Focus

Yoga can help you clear your cluttered mind leaving you with a sense of focus.

3) Energy

After practicing yoga you come away feeling energized

4) Strength

There is also an exercise element to the practice which leaves you feeling stronger and toned

5) Happiness

The greatest benefit of yoga is a combination of all the points which is that it quite simply make you feel happy

I’d love to hear what yoga means to you in the comments below.