Yoga is not a fad. It is an ancient Indian discipline that has been proved to impart multiple health benefits, mentally and physically. From weight loss, strengthening of core, improving mental balance, boosting immunity to naturally alleviating various medical conditions like kidney stones, acidity, and in some cases even cancer, practicing Yoga has ample benefits. However to make your yoga practice truly fulfilling and beneficial for your body, remember to follow these few simple things.
Before Yoga:
Eat small portions of foods that constitute simple carbohydrates, minerals or fiber an hour or two before the practice to stay energetic throughout the session. Bananas, avocados, apples, carrots, whole wheat bread toast with peanut butter are perfect pre-yoga foods.
Yoga involves cycles of stretches, bends and movements in the body that test your flexibility and endurance. If you don’t empty your bladder prior to a session, chances are you will be highly uncomfortable doing certain postures, or not be able to do them at all
The idea is to be completely at ease when performing the asanas. If you wear clothes that are too tight, too lose or just make you uncomfortable, you will not constantly be conscious of your attire. Avoid lycra and synthetic fabrics for your sessions.
After Yoga:
Asanas are just one part of Yoga. The discipline has multiple other branches to it. Dhyana or meditation is another important part of yoga. Yoga is known to boost happiness levels, as well as bring clarity of thoughts in an individual. To achieve this, perform five minutes of meditation or dhyana after doing the asanas. You will feel much more relaxed and rejuvenated.An intense yoga session leads to wear and tear of muscle tissues. Repair those muscle tissues and make your body stronger by eating protein rich foods like legumes, cheese, quinoa, yogurt and nuts 20-30 minutes after a yoga session.
Drink plenty of water and its variants like lemon water (with honey), coconut water, fresh fruit juices etc. to hydrate yourself post yoga. The body loses water in form of sweat during yoga, drinking fluids helps to replenish that as well as keep you energetic.
