Get Moving
Did you know that recent ONS figures show that almost 1 million people in the UK are economically inactive due to back and neck pain? In just the last 5 years, there has been a 28% increase in people who are in so much pain with just these conditions that they can't work. That's pretty extreme. But did you know that back pain is the highest cause of disability globally, and 50-80% of adults will have lower back pain at some point in their lives? That’s a fair amount of us. So just maintaining the health of your back, even if you don't have a particular injury or general grumble, is important. And this approach can be applied to the rest of your body.
Specific injuries aside, there are lots of reasons why we might feel pain in our bodies—an imbalance between strength and flexibility, prolonged compression of joints due to things like sitting for long periods of time, muscular tension, natural ageing of joint surfaces, and stress.
Movement is Medicine
While there are other forms of exercise that may be more effective for cardiovascular fitness or strength training, the gentle, consistent movement that yoga offers is fundamental to maintaining the body’s overall health and enhancing range of motion. The simple movements practised in yoga play a crucial role in keeping our joints healthy and mobile. For example, rotating the thigh bone in the hip socket during certain poses stimulates the release of synovial fluid—a substance that lubricates the joints, much like oil keeps a machine running smoothly. Similarly, gentle spinal movements, such as those performed in the cat-cow pose, gently compress and decompress the discs between the vertebrae, helping to keep the discs hydrated, which is essential for preventing them from becoming brittle over time.
Yoga also contributes to building flexibility and the health of our fascial tissue—the connective tissue that provides structure and form to our bodies. Maintaining the elasticity and hydration of this tissue is essential, reducing the risk of it becoming tight and forming adhesions that can restrict movement and cause pain. This can be incredibly beneficial for people experiencing discomfort in their back, shoulders, or hips. Additionally, yoga practice promotes body awareness, helping individuals better explore their physical capabilities and movement quality.
Furthermore, yoga promotes functional movement patterns. It teaches us how to move in ways that allow us to enjoy daily activities—such as gardening—without discomfort or the need for medical intervention afterward. The increased body awareness that comes with a regular yoga practice also can build confidence in physical capabilities and help to reduce things like falls, particularly relevant as we age.
The Mental Benefits of Yoga
While the physical effects of yoga are widely recognized, and practising yoga purely for movement can greatly enhance your physical well-being, it also offers profound mental benefits. Yoga promotes relaxation and reduces stress, making it an excellent practice for maintaining mental well-being during busy periods like the back-to-school season. The breathing techniques, which are a fundamental part of many styles of yoga, can be used to manage anxiety in stressful situations. For instance, extending the length of your exhale can help shift the nervous system into a more relaxed state. When practiced consistently over time, these breathwork techniques can have a profound and lasting impact on the nervous system, enhancing overall well-being and resilience to stress.
By consistently practising mindful breathing and focusing on body awareness, yoga helps individuals shift attention away from repetitive, distracting thoughts, promoting clarity and calm. This emphasis on the present moment helps break cycles of rumination, offering a fresh perspective on everyday life challenges.
Movement, Nature, and the Power of Retreat
While daily activity is essential, the environment in which you engage in physical activity can also enhance its benefits. Spending time in an environment where the external noise of everyday life is turned down has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and ultimately boost cognitive function. Wellness retreats provide the perfect opportunity to immerse in this kind of yoga practice, fully reaping the rewards of a holistic experience over an extended period of time in an environment that supports both physical and mental well-being. They offer the time and space needed to escape the pressures of everyday life and recharge.
Long-Term Investment in Your Wellbeing
Incorporating regular physical activity, such as attending a yoga class or other forms of movement, supports both physical and mental health. It helps to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. As we transition back into our regular routines, consider making a commitment to prioritise your health by embracing a movement-oriented lifestyle. Your health is your most valuable asset, and the benefits of a consistent yoga practice—improved range of motion, enhanced body awareness, and reduced stress—are well worth the effort.
If you’re looking for a way to deepen your practice or simply take a break from the demands of daily life, consider joining us at one of our workshops, retreats, or classes. It’s the perfect place to recharge, reconnect with nature, and return to your everyday life feeling revitalised and ready to take on whatever comes your way.