At the beginning of summer, I made a new commitment to yoga. Yes, that's what she said. I've done yoga off and on for the last 10 years, but never made it a part of my daily routine. That has changed. I took up the yoga as a stress relief/mental healing practice more so than exercise (and yes it is exercise). I was nearing a point on the stress meter labeled "psych ward". Yoga has helped me to reduce stress with the added benefit of some toned arms and legs (and at some point I hope my abs). I find that I can sit at my desk and write for extended periods without neck strain and migraines. After all, I was so stressed that when getting a massage for mothers day the masseuse suggested I come back for another visit, since 1 hr wasn't enough to work out the tension in my shoulders.
Now, when I go a day without yoga practice I just don't feel good. I have an extremely busy schedule and fitting in "yoga time" was easier than I thought. I got a couple of DVD's with yoga routines ranging from 15 to 60 minutes. I also utilize exercise TV on demand and My Yoga Online (www.myyogaonline.com). This gives me variety in routine and time, as some days are busier than others. My schedule just doesn't allow time for going to classes on a regular basis without getting a sitter, etc.
I'm trying to work in 10-15 minutes on an elliptical that has been collecting dust in my bedroom, but damn I hate cardio. Plus it's hard to do cardio at 9 pm and be able to hit the sack within an hour or two. That is not the case with yoga.
Needless to say, I have no plans of taking a break from yoga.
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