Did you know that September is National Yoga Month? 

September was deemed National Yoga Month in 2008 by the Department of Health and Human Services and since then there has been a noticeable uptick of interest in yoga and all the health benefits it offers.

These days, it’s not uncommon to find a yoga studio (or two) on nearly every block. And even in the times that we are living in, yoga studios are finding creative ways to offer classes either in person or online to get you on the mat.

If you’ve never practiced yoga before, you might envision sitting on the floor all tied up like a pretzel. But yoga is so much more than being able to touch your toes with your nose. 

Yoga is a practice…it embodies the idea of uniting your mind, body, and soul through asanas, or a series of postures that, when practiced together, create a flow. 

And at the foundation of all of this is the breath. 

Naomi Annand, yoga teacher and author of Yoga: A Manual for Life, says it best:

“Bringing your total focus to your breath isn’t part of the practice.

It is the practice.”

The breath is arguably the most important aspect of any yoga practice. Breathing deeply and in sync with your asanas is integral to any yoga practice. By learning to control our breath, we become calmer and more at peace. And this has a tremendous amount of health benefits.

Yoga has been shown to improve certain physical and mental health issues including high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety, and depression. In fact, it becoming more common for patients to be prescribed “medicinal yoga” as part of their health and wellness regimen.

Just get on the mat

Whether you’re a newbie to yoga or have been practicing for years, there is always something new to learn. Even very experienced yogis will tell you that every practice brings new challenges and growth. This is why it’s a practice… 

But you have to start somewhere. And that somewhere is the mat. Just. Sit. Down.

Get comfortable with stillness. Learn to love the sound of your breathing. This is a great place to start and if that’s all you do for the entire time of your practice, that’s fine. 

Try a class… or two

Joining a yoga class, whether in person or online, is a great way to experience the benefits of group energy. This is especially true if you are a beginner.

Having a teacher guide you through the poses can be a huge boost to your confidence. Not to mention she will make sure you are moving and holding the poses correctly, because, believe it or not, you can get injured by doing yoga.

Many of the local yoga studios have either reopened or transitioned their practice online. Additionally, there are several holistic wellness centers that offer yoga classes for all skill levels. Robin Cervantes, the owner of Sanctuary Holistic Kitchen in Georgetown, holds various yoga classes weekly and schedules can be found on her website. 

Be sure to check out our guide and see if one or more of them is a good fit for you. 

Yoga as a way of life

Integrating yoga into your daily life isn’t as time-consuming or hard as it may sound. While some people can spend an hour or more a day on the mat, others practice yoga simply by taking five minutes and focusing on their breath. 

There is no right or wrong way to do yoga. And every moment in the practice is an opportunity to slow down. Pay attention. And just be.

At Wilco Wellness, we believe that health is a state of physical, mental, and social well-being.

It infuses positive energy into the body, mind, and spirit. The best journey is living to support a complete state of harmony. 

Thank you for reading our blog on Breath and September Yoga Month. Take this moment to re-boot and love the wonderful inner you.

If you would like to find a Yoga studio in your neighborhood please see our Directory 

Send us names of your favorite studios, Pics of poses on IG, and/or give a shout out when you leave your favorite studio and thank the instructor

– namaste 

As always, it is essential to discuss any changes in your diet or exercise routine with your primary care doctor.

While our information is necessary, every individual must be responsible for their due diligence concerning their health routine and guidelines.

If you do not have a primary care doctor or are looking for a clinician, please feel free to contact and schedule an appointment with one of the appropriate clinicians on our directory website.