Self-Care Awareness Month runs from June 24 to July 24, and culminates in International Self-Care Day on July 24. The meaning of ‘self-care’ has become somewhat muddied by marketing spiel during the past decade, but it’s about more than face masks and scented candles (not that there’s anything wrong with these!).
However, the true concept of self-care runs deeper: it was first introduced by the World Health Organisation in the 1980s to encourage individuals, families and communities to maintain their own physical and mental health, prevent disease, and cope better with illness or disability.
Self-care is self-empowerment: it gives us greater awareness and control over how we manage our health, improves quality of life, and also reduces strain on healthcare services. But what are some real-world examples of self-care?
These include lifestyle choices such as eating a balanced diet; taking regular exercise; taking care of our mental health; and improving our health knowledge and literacy. If you feel inspired to make some positive changes to your own wellbeing this summer, we’d love to welcome you to our beautiful yoga studio in West London.
Here’s a look at some of the mental and physical benefits of practicing yoga. It’s a unique exercise rooted in ancient Indian philosophies that are just as powerful and resonate today. You’ll find plenty of resources if you want to explore the deeper meaning of yoga, but at its core, it’s about improving the function of your body and mind: the ultimate self-care.
Supporting strength and flexibility
Yoga movements are designed to challenge flexibility, balance and strength. Some moves are very dynamic and demanding, while others can be practiced slowly and are ideal if you are a beginner, or just easing back into exercise after a break. Your instructor will ensure that you’re practicing yoga within your own range of movement.
A classic yoga pose that targets several muscle groups in the body is downward facing dog. It’s a type of full body stretch that involves straightening the legs and lifting the hips while hinging forwards and stretching the palms to meet the ground. The feet should also be grounded as far as you are able to, while maintaining flexibility through the ankles.
The move helps to build strength in your shoulders, arms and core, and is also effective for stretching the hamstrings and calves, aligning the spine and easing back pain. If you find it difficult at first, start by placing your hands on a chair rather than the floor. You can also bend your legs for a less demanding stretch.
As you build up strength and flexibility, you’ll start to find the move easier. No doubt you’ll also begin to appreciate the changes in your body in your everyday life: tasks such as climbing the stairs or lifting bags or groceries feel easier, or your spine feels wonderfully light and comfortable whether you’re sitting at your desk, commuting or enjoying downtime at home.
Regularly practicing yoga movements for strength and flexibility can support you to live an active life with a reduced risk of injuries and falls as you age.
Managing stress and reenergising
Life can be non-stop and stressful, particularly at this time of year when you might be juggling holiday planning, and career or caring duties with extra social events. A yoga class can feel like a window of calm during your day, when you can work at your own pace and focus on the connection between your body and mind.
Some types of yoga are specifically designed to encourage mental and physical relaxation. The poses are held for longer, with an emphasis on breathing and mindfulness. This physically releases tension by easing knotted muscles, and it’s also an outlet for pent-up emotions and worries.
Controlled breathing combined with physical relaxation and gentle exertion also releases feel-good endorphins, which lift the mood and help us to cope with those stressful moments when life just doesn’t go to plan.
A simple pose for stress relief is the cat-cow. Start with your knees and hands on the floor to form a tabletop position, with your wrists underneath your shoulders and your knees underneath your hips. Inhale and pull your core towards the ground while stretching your neck upwards. Follow up by exhaling and pulling your spine upwards, like a stretching cat.
Flow in between the two poses for a minute to release tension and enhance the sense of connection between your body and mind. This can boost mental clarity and help you feel ready to handle whatever life throws at you.
A sense of community
Whether you’ve just moved to the area and want to make new friends, want to work on your flexibility, are keen to explore the mind/body connection or simply want to try something different, our studio is a welcoming and calm space where you’ll become part of a community.
Regardless of your level of experience or ability, you’ll meet supportive and likeminded souls who will make your self-care an effortless and enjoyable part of your routine, whether you’re a beginner or a long-time practitioner… with everyone united by a shared intention: to feel better in body and mind. We’d love you to join us and share the power of yoga.