Monday 27 May 2019

Yoga Schmoga

So, remember my post about running? Well since having my third child, who is now 7 months old, I have gone for a run all of two times (and after the first one I baked cookies the next day and ate 10 of them in one sitting). I. Am. Amazing.

My running excuse (pun intended) was because it was cold and winter running kind of sucks, so I decided to find an alternative that would be cheap and convenient. Why hello there, yoga.

I do free youtube yoga workouts (because I am a cheap ass) and use a foam camping sleeping mat I found in our basement instead of a proper yoga mat (because I am a cheap ass), but I have no complaints (because I am a cheap ass). Also, because I have been doing workouts via youtube, I have been able to do said workouts in the comfort of home at my convenience without the added pressure of having to look cool in front of other people as I awkwardly try to figure out different yoga poses while falling over in the process. 

My enjoyment of it goes beyond that though: There is just something about coming to my mat and practicing mindfulness (and actually being able to) that feels really satisfying. As someone with ADHD, being mindful and still (more so mentally than physically - inattentive ADHDer here) is especially hard for me (squirrel!), but I am working on it. I have noticed other benefits too: I am more flexible and stronger than when I first started which has been affirming for me as well.

Practicing yoga (look at me talking like I'm a yogi or something bahahaha) has been really great for my mental health too. I already spoken about the benefits re: my ADHD, but it's also been good for managing my depression as well. A few months back, I wasn't doing quite so good in that I was back to feeling moody, constantly exhausted, and completely unmotivated, and while I knew I wasn't in depression I was well on my way so I spoke with my doctor and had anti-depressants adjusted which helped. In addition to that I also started this yoga thing in an attempt to be more active and do some sort of exercise, and I think that the calming effect of the yoga sessions and the sense of accomplishment I felt after finishing workouts also helped to lift me out of my downward spiral.

Anyway, I haven't been running in a while (my Nike Run app just reminded me that it has been 40+ days since my last run, heh) but I am still trying to be active and take care of myself. I don't think I'm completely done with running yet, but for now I've decided not to push that and I'm ok with my decision.  Being active and taking care of ourselves should be enjoyable; after all, it's an act of self-love, is it not?

So here's to health and loving ourselves by taking care of ourselves physically and mentally. Namaste.