How Can Yoga Help Performance? – Uptown Yoga

November 27, 2018

Hopefully, we’ve all heard in class that yoga is not about the result, it’s about the journey. No posture is really ever finished. We can progress in our poses, but each pose can and should be forever worked upon, as the mind and spirit, which is where the true work lies, continually align.

Despite all of that though, we can use our yoga practice to continually enhance our performance in other activities. I dare say that no matter what activity or endeavor you have in your life, consistent and persistent yoga practice will improve that other activity.

For instance, let’s say that you feel that your job needs improvement. Clearly, hard work and diligent attendance will help, but is an hour of yoga really going to improve your work? I suggest that it will, and here’s why: First, yoga itself creates focus by helping to eliminate distraction and improve concentration.

Second, that “lost” hour at work requires a more directed approach to work, and it could get you out of that “water cooler” mentality that can draw away from making you most productive. Finally, finding balance and centeredness inwardly will absolutely help interpersonal relationships and allow additional calmness in the heat of a work day.

Another example toward progress achieved through yoga could be your family life. You may argue away from that daily yoga practice because your family needs you. Who else will finish the dishes, wash the clothes, and get the kids ready?

However, are all of those chores, albeit needed, worth an irritable mom or dad who are driven to distraction by their many other responsibilities? Will kids appreciate more that finished clean dish in the sink or a well-balanced, patient and understanding parent? I think the latter clearly wins out.

Additional examples abound, but I think the point is made. By adjusting your mindset, even slightly, to allow for self-care and a healthier mind, body and spirit, yoga can help you progress in just about any other activity. Come take a class from me or email me directly if you have questions. I’d love to hear from you!

Matt Sanderson is an Uptown Yoga teacher and a practicing attorney. He’s also the founder and president of Uptown Yoga’s partner organization, Yogis On The Go, which brings yoga to you, anywhere and anytime. Check out its website: http://www.YogisOnTheGo.com or email Matt directly at [email protected].