Leaders need this.

I can feel anxious and overwhelmed at times. This is an issue that many high impact leaders face.  Yoga has truly transformed my life and my perspective on accomplishing my mission.  We all want to feel peaceful and centered.  That is when we do our best work.  As a ten year yogi, I can attest that yoga is a great start for wellness to support your journey as a leader, mom, and woman. It is attainable and can be as easy or as challenging as you make it.

If it’s your first time hitting the mat, we wanted to share some tips with you.  Keep in mind, yoga is about accepting your body and your capabilities that day.  You may perform better on Day 1 than day 3 or vice versa.  In yogaland, there is no pressure to compete.  You get to be the best you that day.  Yogis enjoy continually improving their practice.  There is joy in the improved strength and balance that results from consistent practice.  Weight loss can occur, but that is likely not the initial reason many yogis started their practice.

Some essentials you need for the first day are fitted clothing, a mat, water, and a towel.  Clothing should be fitted since there are poses that require twisting and bending.  You don’t want ill fitting pans that fall down, or a shirt that flies up.  Some studios provide a mat for you, and many are clean, but don’t risk it.  Bring your own.  For extra cushion, and sometimes sacrificing some balance, you can double up on mats for a softer surface.  If you’re doing hot yoga, you definitely want to stay hydrated and dry.  Even if not, yoga is challenging. Drink water during the session and bring a towel to keep you dry.  Dry hands are important to avoid slipping on the mat.

Those are the basics to get started.  Practice at a studio or find a cool community class outdoors.  Stay at it. Just try three solid yoga sessions before you decided whether or not you love it.  Over time, the practice will become more routine, allowing you to relax into each posture and challenge yourself to do more.

Live Well is a women’s empowerment lifestyle brand focusing on mental health, money, and motherhood. Established in 2010 by Dr. Jenn Edwards, Live Well specifically helps women avoid burnout, holistically invest, and parent with resilience. Jennifer is a wife, mother of two children, scientist, author, speaker, professor, and fourth generation entrepreneur.