The Hows and Whys of Yoga and Meditation for Seniors

Denville NJ Yoga And Meditation For Seniors

Denville NJ  Yoga and meditation for seniors. Here we will give you an array of disciplines and resources, you can try to improve your health, mind and flexibility. As well as show you how you get started!.

All the different forms of yoga may feel overwhelming at first — there’s Hatha, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Vinyasa, Hot Yoga, and more. Which ones are best for seniors? Hatha yoga is known as a gentle yoga that’s perfect for beginners. As an added bonus, it integrates poses with breathing and meditation. Plus, a study from the University of Illinois found that those who practiced Hatha yoga saw significantly increased performance on various cognitive tests measuring working memory, mental flexibility, and multitasking abilities.

You can do a Google search for senior-friendly yoga classes in your area. Many senior centers and retirement communities offer yoga and meditation classes. You can also check out your local health clubs and gyms. What’s more, you can often find Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans that will help you cover the cost of those memberships. However, before you select a plan, search around online to learn more about what each one provides.

At home, check out all the different yoga courses online such as this slow and gentle yoga practice for seniors taught by Adriene Mishler. Everyone can do yoga. It can be adapted for all levels and abilities, including those with mobility issues who rely on wheelchairs.

Meditation is simple; you don’t need a course or any special equipment to begin. To receive the benefits of meditation, all you need to do is find a quiet place where you can quiet your mind and focus on your breath. Choose a position that works for you. Breathe in, breathe out, and repeat. As your mind wanders, gently bring it back to focusing on your breath. Get a timer and start with just three minutes per day. You’ll receive the most benefits if you meditate for at least 20 minutes — the more you practice, the easier it becomes. The goal is to become in touch with your body and be fully present in the moment.

What Do You Need?

To practice yoga, all you’ll need is a yoga mat, stretchy pants, and a close-fitting top. (Loose T-shirts tend to fly up over your head in certain poses.) Yoga is frequently done barefoot, but if you’re uncomfortable with that, there are yoga socks with grips on the bottom that will keep your feet from sliding around on your mat.

Even if yoga doesn’t appeal to you, simply adding stretching to your daily routine can benefit you greatly. Stretching ensures that you maintain your flexibility, so you reduce your risk of falling. Stretching improves poor posture and reduces pain, stiffness, and arthritis, and increases your energy level. As with yoga, it eases anxiety and tension, too.

The key to a beneficial meditation practice is consistency. What helps is creating a special place to meditate, a space you look forward to returning every day. Anything to set a tone of calm and tranquility helps, from using an aromatherapy diffuser to lighting a few candles.

As you incorporate yoga and meditation into your life, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. You’ll feel a sense of peace and calm, and you’ll love the added focus, clarity, and memory retention. Yoga and meditation are where it’s at when it comes to brain training, and you might even make some new friends in yoga class along the way.

Click here to contact Yoga Expert Jennifer Kalawur

Visit purple om yoga’s page here