Thankfully the days are starting to get longer and there should soon be more sunshine to enjoy. But that doesn’t mean that cold and flu season is behind us just quite yet. This time of year has many people trying to figure out what will keep them healthy and how they can avoid getting sick. At Mind to Body, we run many different yoga classes in Mississauga during this time of year as we know the benefits yoga offers when it comes to warding off illness.
Unlike other fitness options, yoga focuses on the whole body and the mind so you get multiple benefits when you choose to practice yoga. Let’s take a closer look at how yoga can support your immune system and keep you healthy through cold and flu season.
Stress
It’s been said that stress can double your chances of coming down with a cold or the flu. Did you know that practicing yoga supports two contributing factors to your immune health? Yoga lowers stress hormones and calms the nervous system. When the immune system feels supported, illness symptoms diminish.
Breathing
If you’ve ever done a yoga class before, you’ll know that the instructor will often talk about breathing and breathing techniques. Breathing rhythms and the posture you use during yoga helps to improve the overall efficiency and strength of your lungs and nasal passage. This in turn helps prevent infection.
Circulation
Sitting for hours on end each day (as many people do) can result in the buildup of toxins in the body and its systems. Because yoga focuses on the whole body, several different organs and glands are involved when you move through a variety of yoga positions. Your organs are supplied with oxygenated blood for optimal function and your lymphatic system is stimulated to rid your body of toxins.
Mind to Body is a yoga studio in Mississauga that offers a wide range of yoga classes and workshops designed to keep you in optimal health. You can visit our website to find out more about our studio and our team. If you do find yourself battling a cold, we can suggest the following poses to help alleviate your symptoms:
- Downward Facing Dog will encourage blood flow to your sinuses and help to ease congestion
- Camel Pose or Cow Face Pose will open your chest and fight against further respiratory infection
- Seated Spinal Twist helps detoxify the body and activate immune system organs
In addition to yoga and pilates, Mind to Body in Mississauga also offers registered massage therapy, reiki, reflexology and holistic nutrition support. We’re committed to your health and wellness and invite you to contact us to find out how we can help you feel your best.