Overcoming self-destructive habits can be a complex issue. Without a change in behavior and lifestyle, the habits will often return, sometimes worse than before. Practicing yoga can help bring about that change whilst also having the benefit of improved health and fitness. The root causes of these habits are myriad, with many being linked to poor emotional wellbeing.
Yoga can help bring about increased self-awareness and a will to improve mind, body, and spirit. The principles of yoga also encourage satya, or honesty. By developing satya, you become honest with yourself and become aware of habits that negatively affect your life.
Ultimately, yoga is about self-discovery. The journey required to bring about change to quit self-destructive habits is also needed to practice yoga successfully. Getting to know yourself is a key factor in stopping the habits that are causing the damage. Yoga has the effect of uniting mind and body, and this where the journey begins.
Smoking
Smoking can be a difficult habit to kick. One of the key aspects of smoking is the temporary relief from stress that the tobacco brings, causing the smoker to cling onto their addiction. Yoga is a fantastic substitute that can help relief stress in a natural, harmless way, whilst also bringing about physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Keeping a relaxed mind and body is essential to both quitting smoking and the successful practicing of yoga.
There is also evidence that the damage done to internal organs from smoking can be repaired. The cardiovascular systems, long starved of oxygen, can be improved by the increase in blood flow that yoga brings about.
Furthermore, the concentration of breathing combined with movement helps balance the respiratory system, beating the ill effects that smoking has wrought on the body.
Drinking
Drinking is another habit that can be harmful to the body. Although most people can drink in moderation, there are still detrimental effects on the body that are caused by consuming alcohol, obviously made worse if drinking becomes a problem.
Like smoking, some people drink to relax. Yoga can be the replacement that a person needs to stop drinking. Instead of a glass of wine at the end of a stressful day, why not avoid the stress in the first place?
The breathing and movement yoga requires helps to you to cope with stressful situations. Beginning the day by practicing yoga helps set you up for the daily challenges that life brings.
Over-eating
Over-eating is another self-destructive habit that can be curbed by practicing yoga. Unlike smoking and drinking alcohol, we need to have some sort of relationship with food to survive. Yoga can help you develop an awareness of your body that brings about a healthier interaction with food. Obviously, if you are at the stage where you are overweight there are some forms of yoga and exercise in general, where it will be difficult.
Overstressing the body at this stage can be more harmful and occasionally dangerous. However, there are classes for the beginner that can be appropriate for the overweight person, and with time, it is likely that your weight would decrease if you practiced yoga regularly.
Becoming promoting satya within yourself, you can become aware of what you put in your body. Portion sizes and the quality of the food you consume can all be affected when you practice yoga and satya successfully.
Emotional Eating
Finally, emotional eating can also be overcome with yoga. Emotional eating is not just about eating fatty foods at times of emotional stress; it is also linked to constant dieting and being unhappy with your body and mind. Being all about the attainment of wellbeing, yoga can help you fix the problem by making you aware of your body.
Yoga is about learning to love yourself. Through practicing yoga on a regular basis, you can help become more aware of your eating habits and the reasons for them. Meditation associated with yoga can help to create relaxation within yourself, which can help overcome emotional eating.