At first I planned to do inspirational (I hope) or entertaining memes for Wednesday. However, tomorrow seems like a much better day for that. Who knows, I may change it again.
In the meantime, what to write about and post on Wednesday? Hmmmm.
How about a mismatch of topics? Call it Wandering Wednesday, who knows where I will wander off to?
Today it’s yoga.
Our library offers free yoga classes, with a certified instructor (unless he’s hurt) every Wednesday. I started several weeks ago.
Five Facts I did not know about yoga:
- It’s not all about getting into weird positions my body has NEVER done. Not even when I was young, thinner, and sort of agile.
- Yoga is hard work. Who knew I’d sweat so much in a yoga class?
- There are modifications for every pose. Do what I can and improve to doing more.
- Yoga is (or can be) a great way to meet people from all walks of life and ages. It helps me be more social. Who knew?
- I enjoy yoga. I look forward to it every week and am bummed when I can’t attend for whatever reason.
Plus, there are these health benefits to yoga I didn’t know about:
- Improves circulation. Especially in hands and feet. This can lead to a decrease in heart attacks and strokes. This is great for me since I won a trip to the City with AFib a couple of years ago. Improving circulation improves my heart which is all good.
- Yoga helps the body protect the spine. Since so many people over a certain age have back problems, and I had them at a young age, protecting my back is crucial.
- Yoga lowers blood sugar. I don’t have diabetes although my A1C was higher than the doctor liked a couple of years ago. Yoga can help lower it? Great!
- It also reduces the LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and boosts HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Although my overall cholesterol level is within range, the LDL was higher than the HDL. It will be interesting to see if that has reversed in a few months after doing yoga.
- It encourages self-care. I have noticed since attending the yoga classes I eat better (ie: healthier) and exercise more. Although I was working on eating healthier and exercising more, since yoga it’s easier to follow my new eating/moving plan.
Bonus points for yoga: It’s fun. I like to make it more fun by wearing mis-matched socks. I’m not sure anyone notices but me. It’s okay, they make me smile.
Have you ever tried yoga?
If it was available for you would you try it?
What is your favorite way to relax?
Nita Beshear - Adventure in Widowhood 