I invite you, right now wherever you are as you read, to take a vast, long breath in and then let it all out slowly. Pause now, to notice, how do you feel?
That simple moment was yoga. Breathing is at the heart of yoga. We breathe on average, 20,000 times per day (often without noticing), and so we therefore have an opportunity to very simply pepper moments of yoga into our every day, which can very subtly transform our wellbeing in many ways.
Of course, there is so much more to yoga – a practice can be as short or as extensive as you have or make time for. Plus, it can extend much further than being on a yoga mat (it’s far from attempting to stand on your head or contorting your body into pretzel shape positions).
The benefits of yoga really are endless and wonderfully individual. From physical enhancement of your strength, flexibility and balance to building mental resilience, offering a shift in your perspective, and reduction of stress, to finding joy in small moments, a greater connection to yourself and the world around you.
Here is a collection of some accessible and simple tools and tips to help you put your best foot forward with yoga in 2025:
- At the end of each day, consider one thing you were grateful for about your day.
- Whilst you are on a walk or waiting for your kettle to boil, notice your senses, paying attention in the moment to what you can hear, smell, see, feel and taste.
- Each hour, stand up and stretch up, shake out your arms and legs and rotate your arms from your shoulders a few times. When you are seated, use your chair to twist your spine to the right and then left, taking your gaze over the shoulder to look behind you.
- Circle your wrists, then turn one palm of your hand up and gently press your fingers down with your opposite hand.
- Drop your chin to your chest, then lower your ear to your shoulder and switch sides.
- Habit stack a few deep breaths. Each time you do something regularly, check in with your breath – expanding your torso on your inhale and sigh/blow your breath away as you exhale.
- When you look at the rain on the window, a rainbow, a sunset or trees blowing in the wind – really see the detail for a few moments (“Glimmers”).
- At the start of each day, choose a word for your day as an intention. For example; “Calm”, “Curious”, “Patience”.
- Complete a small act of kindness.
Remember, yoga is a practice and not a competition – a lifestyle that really is available to all.
Should you find yourself with an inkling to dedicate a bit more time to explore this, you’d be so welcome to join my classes.
Happy new year!
Author: Francesca Bryan