How yoga can give you some breathing space during lockdown

If you are looking for an activity to support your physical and mental well-being during this current stretch, yoga might be just the thing. More and more teachers are taking their classes online, and there's a wealth of free virtual offerings to access as well.

Not only can it bring physical ease to the body through movement and stretching, but it also helps to calm the mind through concentration and a focus on the present and brings a greater awareness of yourself, all of which add up to helping you get through your day.

Sarah Clover, founder of Northwich-based Breathing Space Yoga, recently joined more than 30 other leading experts as part of the Thrive Summit aimed at working mums where she shared a Yoga Nidra practise to create space and deep rest.

Here she explains why this ancient practice is more than just a physical activity and shares some of the positive benefits it brings.

“Yoga helps to create a calmer mind. The physical movement helps to focus the mind as concentration is required to create the shapes with your body. But other techniques such as breath-work, meditation and relaxation also help to steady the mind which as we all know can be busy, overcrowded and full of thoughts. Often, it’s our mind that perpetuates stress, anxiety and even fear.  

“Yoga can be hugely beneficial in learning techniques to release the burdens of the mind and create space, helping to reduce anxiety. Working with both body and mind through yoga helps us to balance our nervous system, moving to rest and digest and away from the fight and flight mode of stress and overwhelm.”

How does it work?

“Our body is in the present moment – not in the past or future, and working with a focus on movement in the body brings awareness to the present moment.

“The same is true of the breath, it’s here, right now, as we bring our awareness to it. Breathing techniques again help us to become more present, as well as breathe more efficiently and balance our respiratory systems. 

“Meditation and relaxation also help to bring us out of our heads and into the present moment which is when we can let go of past memories and future imaginings, the source of most of our worries and mental preoccupations.

“We create space to step back from our daily thoughts and activities and perhaps even see things in a new light. We realise that the more we are in the present moment the more we begin to respond to our concerns rather than react to them and then we can manage our concerns rather than have them manage us.

“This all sounds great, but you may feel that you have a busy mind which can't possibly be stopped, you're not flexible enough for yoga and you are not young enough, fit enough, slim enough, don't have the time... insert any other worries here!

“You’ll be pleased to know that yoga is for everyone, no matter your age, gender, size, shape, flexibility. There are no requirements to practice yoga, except to have clearance from your doctor if you have any health condition or injury, and to listen to your body when in class so that you only do what feels good for you not what you think you should do.

“There are many different styles of yoga, slower Hatha, faster vinyasa, gentle yoga, chair yoga, power yoga, hot yoga to name just a few. There is always a style to suit you. From complex to simple, from very physical and strength-based to very still and even supported on a chair or with cushions and blankets. Teachers often grade their classes as suitable for a beginner or not.  

How to find the best class for you?

“Firstly ask around, friends and family and social media can recommend local and online options. Talk to the teacher, find out what type of yoga they teach, ensure they know of any health issues you might have, your fitness level and what you'd like to get from a class. Find out whether classes are suitable for beginners.

“Find the right level of class, even if you are fit, active and flexible a few beginners classes to get the basics will help you to take on more challenging classes without risking injury.

“Try a few different classes, every teacher has a different teaching style.  That's what's so great about yoga. If you don't like one style there will be another one that suits you better.

“Talk to the teacher after the class, ask for support for things you found challenging or didn't suit your body. A good teacher will offer alternative movements for you to try.

Online classes can be really helpful as you don't need to travel to the class, they can be cheaper than an in-person class and of course, during lockdown they are all that is available.  There are lots of free classes online.

“But consider if a local teacher's online class might be better for you than a popular YouTube class. Local teachers like any local business have been hard hit by the pandemic, please support them if you can.

“You’ll be able to chat to that teacher more easily, they will get to know you and your individual needs which makes for a much better experience and you will be able to attend an in-person class with them later on and join a local community of like-minded people.

"So, now you are ready to test out your yoga mat and reap the rewards of learning yoga. Enjoy!”