Healthy mind x healthy body

By Gillian Merriman 

​Yoga is increasingly becoming a popular way of relaxing and managing stress in both men and women of all ages. Stress can manifest itself in many ways from being unable to sleep, difficulties in concentrating and physical pain such as a stiff neck and back pain. Yoga’s incorporation of meditation and breathing can help improve a person’s mental well-being. As we roll into the second semester, deadlines and uni work slowly starts to build up and can cause that dreaded “back to school” feeling. Typically, my new year’s resolution has been to eat better, exercise more and to not go out as much which I usually don’t end up keeping up. Instead I have decided this year I shall join a yoga class with the goal being: To be able to touch my toes whilst standing up. As silly as it sounds it’s a realistic goal I think I can achieve, so why not try a yoga class.

Back in September I attended the free yoga session at The Movement Studio on Ashton Lane by GUCFS. I was both excited and nervous as I had only ever attended one yoga session in my life. To my surprise, it was the most relaxing hour I had since starting back at Uni. I wasn’t left in agony from being over stretched but rather felt stress-free and at ease with myself. The session began with some light stretching and gradually built up to more complex poses. The instructor made sure everyone was comfortable and performing the different poses right. Slowly different poses merged together and everything developed into a rhythmic flow.
 
Yoga has been shows to have many health benefits such as improved respiration, spike in energy, increased flexibility, increased muscle strength and tone. With over 100 variations there’s a level and course for everyone. Going into 4th year I have had waves of stress and episodes of panicking. So, as the new year is upon us I want to be able to dedicate an hour a week to yoga. T
 
The West End has plenty of places to visit and pop along to taster sessions so that you know what you would like to do. Bikram Yoga, The Movement Studio, Yoga Healing Glasgow and My 121 Yoga are just some of the places scattered around the West End and offer different levels and types. If you’re on a budget then just simply browse the web for videos that vary in length which means you can put 15 minutes aside every evening to destress, forget about that dissertation or project and just remind yourself that it will be alright.  

So, if you fancy doing some yoga in a steaming room, join Bikram or if you’re like me, and not so brave start at a beginner’s level and see what suits you!