September is Yoga Awareness Month

September brings us the month of Yoga Awareness, as we enjoy the last drops of sun and late summers harvest, back to school for some brings new routines, busy schedules to navigate and a change of season with the autumn Equinox at the end of the month.

Yoga connects body and mind with breath, supporting wellness, muscle, bone and joint health at any life stage with many benefits. Yoga can help us reset our nervous system to rest and restore mind and body.

Yoga can be simply a movement practice to support a healthy lifestyle or a deeper personal journey beyond the pose teaching us to embrace stillness with presence, focus with awareness, build resilience as we navigate and overcome challenges just like everyday life. Yoga is easy to incorporate and can be done anywhere outdoor and indoor, it can be done without any equipment or fancy fashion - mats and Yoga clothes are optional.

I practice and teach various styles from Ashtanga to Yin to nidra in a non-dogmatic style and tailor each session to clients offering modifications and options inclusive for all.

Which Style of Yoga?

It can be confusing to know which style of Yoga to try with so many. A friendly instructor or yoga studio can advise you on your own interest and level of experience.

• Ashtanga is a set sequence series of poses that builds self discipline and focus.

• Hatha is beginner friendly. foundational and slower paced.

• Vinyasa faster flows support strength, flexibility and tones.

• Yin with slow still holds targets tissues, ligaments and fascia supporting mobility and relaxation.

• Nidra is restful and low effort receiving guided meditation.

  
  

8 Ways to Embrace Yoga Awareness Month this September

1. Set yourself a yoga challenge this month - practice regularly this month and track your progress. A yoga session can be as little as 10 minutes or a full hour to suit your day.

   
   

2. Try a new style of yoga to mix things up, variety is the spice of life.

3. On a busy day have seated stretch breaks.

   
   

4. Do it at home before bedtime to relax from the day as part of a healthy sleep routine

   
   

5. Take a yoga class- support your local studio, find a class with a qualified instructor and meet some new friends or bring your own or try an online class.

   
   

6. Try a yoga workshop that sparks your interest and learn something new.

   
   

7. Gift a yoga experience to a Yogi or beginner.

   
   

8. There are 8 limbs of yoga - the asana poses are just one. There's more to explore....

If you are new to yoga find a friendly studio or qualified instructor and let them know of any mobility restrictions so you can practice safely with some advice. Always check in with a medical professional if you have specific medical concerns, conditions or recovering from any surgery.