“Yoga is not a religion. It is a science, science of well-being, science of youthfulness, science of integrating body, mind and soul.” – Amit Ray
Believe it or not, doing something for just five minutes a day over the course of two weeks will create a habit. Habits, when performed over the course of many years, shape character, which means that if you do something for long enough, it will become a part of you, and it will change your life.
But whether you decide to do it every day for the rest of your life, or just when you need a boost, doing five minutes of yoga will put you in a positive mood. If you feel stuck, low energy or just generally grumpy, five minutes is all that it takes to put it right.
Here’s Why
Unlike many other disciplines, yoga focuses on the mind-body connection and aims to bring your entire being into balance. Contrary to what the media tells us, it is this balance which will bring us contentment, healing, and longevity.
Through movement and through control of the breath, in yoga we are tapping into our body’s receptors, bringing everything into alignment and peace. And this doesn’t even include the act of meditation, which many find difficult to do (at first). Just the movement and the breath for five minutes can lift your spirits.
So if you’re feeling low, get out of your desk chair and find an open space, whether it’s your bedroom floor or a nearby park. Do a basic sun salute, a series of cat and cow, or something more advanced, it doesn’t matter, just let yourself expand with your breath, and re-center, finding the balance you’re craving.