In India the great yoga gurus calculate the age of a person according to his flexibility. “Age is measured by the flexibility of the spine, therefore to stay young, we have to stay flexible” – Yogi Bhajan -.
The years come and go, and with them changes appear that can be somewhat annoying. But the important thing is prevention. Therefore, the most appropriate thing is to start taking care of yourself to mature as healthily as possible.
Physical changes
We know that as a person ages, flexibility levels decrease, tone and range of motion are lost. This happens due to certain physiological changes that take place at the level of connective tissue, the deepest tissue in our body.
People lose flexibility, tone, and range of motion due to different factors, including sedentary lifestyle and age. With the physio-biological changes that occur from perimenopause and menopause, this situation worsens.
Do not panic! You can begin to address lack of flexibility at any age and any stage, achieving good results.
How yoga helps physically
In the mature stage, yoga can bring us many and varied benefits, helping to minimize the symptoms of this vital time.
With the different movements and stretches of yoga, we stimulate the production of lubricants between the fibers of connective tissue. Each yoga posture nourishes, improves elasticity from muscles, cartilage, tendons, and increases bone density among many other physical benefits.
How yoga helps mentally and emotionally
Flexibility training can reduce, in part, the loss of this physical quality due to the natural aging process, allowing us to feel more vital and agile. This leads to an improvement in self-esteem and will be reflected in your mood. In addition, this translates into a more flexible and serene mind, therefore, more present and aware.
The regular practice of yoga is very suitable for women who are facing menopause. In addition to taking care of your body, it also helps you to smooth out the emotional variations that occur at this stage. It helps to improve internal listening, enabling a greater connection with your body and its physical, mental and emotional needs. This creates balance and harmony.
Self-knowledge is important. You must learn to live with new circumstances, adapting to new demands, and knowing how to let go. Acceptance comes not from resignation but from responsibility. These are values that we teach in class. So in yoga, we also say one becomes more flexible mentally. This ability to change mental states and develop our psychological flexibility turns out to be a fundamental aspect of our general well-being.
“Mens sana in corpore sana.”
I have commented on some of the many benefits of this wonderful practice. Although it takes more than a single session, and requires constancy and regular practice, it will improve the quality of life!
You can start working whenever you want and the time is Now! Now! Let’s go together!
Carola Laksmi
Aging. Body Health. Menopause. Mental Wellbeing. Yoga Women’s Health.
Photo by Carola Laksmi.
