Post yoga glow—and why you need it

defining this irresistible feeling where I feel untouchable

It’s not what yoga does for me—it’s what it feels like in my body.

I spent a week working in London earlier this year visiting my friend, Deep. In that time, I knew that my stay in the vibrant city would be short, sweet but meaningful. I chose to work because, well, I frankly just didn’t have enough vacation days…

(Hello, tech 9-5s)

During this time, I regularly attended power yoga classes at Power Yoga Co (@thepoweryogaco on IG).

Each time I finished, I journalled and reflected over a cup of coffee in Fulham before I got to work.

Here’s what I not only realized and accepted in my heart of hearts, but I finally got around to putting ‘pen to paper'.

Without a doubt:

Yoga gives me a sense of calm, clarity and euphoria.

But it’s not just the yoga itself. It’s the feeling that I am privileged enough to bask in after I get to move my body.

It’s a gentle but much needed reminder to get out there and do it more, even when life gets in the way. There are so many hours in a day, yet for many of us, so little of it is spent moving in our bodies within its capability.

I know it sounds so silly to say “just do it” (cue Nike), but I think of the post-yoga glow in 3 areas. Hopefully, these will remind—and inspire—you mindfully move.

Embrace endorphins

Moving your body inherently brings “feel good” hormones into your body. Movement are natural mood boosters and pain relievers.

Endorphins—a type of peptide—binds to opiate receptors in our brains to promote feelings of mood improvement and for some, even euphoria. Not only do we get it through exercise, but it can be achieved through pranayama (aka, breath work).

Deep breathing is integral to yoga, and has been for years. Slow inhalations and exhalations out the nose adds one more layer to endorphin production. Not to mention it improves oxygenation by increasing blood flow to the brain.

Finally, we can’t forget about the meditative aspect of yoga. Simply being present and observing our body through mindful movements has helped me truly get out of my head and into my body. As a marketer working in a fast-paced tech startup, I couldn’t ask for more.

Nervous system regulation

When we’re stressed, we’re often in “fight or flight”. Yoga in the form of asana helps me move from a sympathetic nervous system to a parasympathetic one.

I know—it sounds so simple. But hear me out. It really, really works.

It doesn’t even have to be yoga. Any sort of mindful mobility movement that incorporates intentional, deep breathing will do it. And when you build a habit of bringing micro-moments for this throughout the day, the impact can be astronomical.

Mind-body connection

There’s something so beautiful about intentional activities that help you reach embodiment. For me, yoga is that thing. It helps me remember that my inner world needs just as much love as my external one. That I don’t need to keep chasing for more—that I already have everything inside me.

Quiet the mind, open the heart 🔮🦋

That’s also precisely why I love a good heart opening flow. The mantra above is something I whisper to myself often throughout most classes lately.

Where your breath goes, energy flows

Yoga promotes the flow of prana (life energy), often leaving us feeling refreshed and revitalized after. I feel this every time I take any class—whether it’s vinyasa, hatha, power or even a meditative yin. I am reminded that life force flows through me, not just in my surroundings.

So the next time you’re looking to feel calm, clear and even, dare I say, a sense of euphoria… start small! Move your body in a way that feeds your mind, body and soul.

For me, that’s yoga.

And the best part? Even 10 minutes is enough.

PS. Do it when you’re bored. Do it when you’re tired. Do it when you’re happy. Do it even when you don’t feel like doing anything at all.