Yoga: Try It!
Article Outline
- Answers to Your Questions
- What Is Yoga?
- I know yoga addresses energy fields. I have seen thousands of naked bodies in the OR and never once seen an energy field. What are they?
- Which yoga class or type should I participate in?
- I hear that at the end of many yoga classes, participants just lie there in a corpse pose—there is no way I can lie silent for 10 or 15 minutes. What do you suggest?
- I work 12 hours a day and am exhausted when I get home. How can I possibly find time for a yoga class?
- What should I wear or bring to a yoga class?
- How should I act in a yoga class?
- I am really inflexible (or have had a total joint replacement, or am overweight). Can I really participate in yoga?
- Seek Inner Peace
- Reference
- Copyright
Happy Holidays! It's a common greeting at this time of year, but let's get serious … how do you really feel? A bit overwhelmed with the additional responsibilities of cooking, cleaning, traveling, and entertaining in addition to your 12-hour shifts? Perioperative nurses are amazing multitaskers, but is there a point of no return? Will one more obligation put you over the edge?
One strategy for coping during this time may be turning inward for guidance. To turn inward, one has to turn off the outside noise and stimuli. One great strategy to bridge the mind and body, learn to understand ourselves, and find inner peace is the practice of yoga. Yoga affects physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your life while enhancing your well-being. Not convinced? This editorial will give you a basic primer on yoga so you can take that next step (eg, go to a class or watch or listen to a recording or download).
Answers to Your Questions
Getting started is often the hardest part in undertaking any new activity. Following are answers to some questions you may have that can help you commit to giving yoga a try.
What Is Yoga?
This simple question is difficult to respond to as there are many different types and philosophies of yoga practice. Yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning “the union of mind and body.”1(p7) Yoga traditions are more than 2,000 years old, and some common tenets are the emphasis on breath work; being kind to one's body; and maneuvers to release tension, allowing for greater flexibility and energy flow throughout the body.
I know yoga addresses energy fields. I have seen thousands of naked bodies in the OR and never once seen an energy field. What are they?
Yoga philosophies suggest there are seven levels of energy fields, known as chakras, located throughout the body. Stress, tension, and past physical and emotional injuries may prevent our energy from flowing through these levels. Therefore, regular yoga practice includes poses and flows (ie, repeated physical maneuvers) that are intended to open up a person's channels of energy. With lots of practice, an experienced yogi (ie, yoga practitioner) can actually sense and feel energy flowing through the body.
Which yoga class or type should I participate in?
The majority of yoga studios or gyms supply a course description, which is helpful, but it is best to speak with the teachers offering the classes to see which one is right for you. It is important to take a class that is geared to your physical stamina and flexibility. A beginner should always take a beginner class and inform the teacher of his or her novice status. People who like more physical challenges should inform the teacher of their desire to sweat and work hard.
It is important to understand that, initially, a person might feel alien and awkward in a class. However, the people participating in a yoga class are focused inward, and I assure you they will not be judging your practice. Some tenets of yoga are to eliminate judgment and to do no harm to one's body, so it is fine to try poses that seem easy and to watch the teacher and classmates until you feel more comfortable in your surroundings.
I hear that at the end of many yoga classes, participants just lie there in a corpse pose—there is no way I can lie silent for 10 or 15 minutes. What do you suggest?
Reaching total tranquility and peace assists in revitalizing our minds and bodies. The yin and yang of yoga is to balance physical exertion with deep relaxation. This deep relaxation comes at the end of class. Novices may have a difficult time lying still and keeping their minds quiet. It is considered rude and inconsiderate to leave class while your classmates are in deep relaxation. Learning to find inner peace and calm is part of the learnings from yoga … therefore, fake it until you make it.
I work 12 hours a day and am exhausted when I get home. How can I possibly find time for a yoga class?
Believe it or not, you will find that you have more energy after doing yoga. Ask instructors whether their classes are invigorating or calming, then match your needs with the offerings. If you typically just want to go home and go to bed at the end of the day, find a calming yoga class. Class offerings often vary with the time of day. Video offerings should also explain whether the routines are intended for increased energy, strength training, flexibility, or relaxation.
What should I wear or bring to a yoga class?
In most yoga classes, the mats are provided, although a personal mat may give you more assurance of cleanliness and, therefore, comfort. Blocks and straps are often used for stretching and to help improve flexibility as well as support joints and extremities. These are optional but usually are provided. You may ask the teacher if he or she plans on incorporating these items. Often, you can quietly ask a fellow yoga classmate if you will need any blankets or additional equipment.
Wear something comfortable—stretchy and elastic is good. Because you may spend some time upside down in a pose, your shirt should be fitted close to the body so it does not ride up or fall down with gravitational pull. The same thing goes for underwear—stretchy and elastic is good! Do not wear jewelry because it can become uncomfortable or distracting to yourself or others.
How should I act in a yoga class?
One purpose of yoga is to find inner peace and calm, so there are a few essentials to go over. Think about being quiet, quiet, and more quiet. Many people come into the yoga room and start to block out noise and stress. Many will get on their mats and start doing stretches or relaxation poses, so classmates who arrive late or arrive loudly are being inconsiderate.
In your first class, it is important to go to the teacher and tell him or her that you are new to the class. If you have any physical limitations, it is also good to inform the teacher so he or she can help you with pose modifications. Never engage in a pose that you have to hold your breath to perform or that causes pain. Most instructors will illustrate modifications for beginners or experienced yogis. If you are a beginner, remain in the easier pose.
I am really inflexible (or have had a total joint replacement, or am overweight). Can I really participate in yoga?
First, discuss your options and limitations with your primary care provider. A physical therapist also may be able to provide insight into how to accommodate an injured joint or physical area. Whatever your limitation, it is important that you monitor your body, and when something is uncomfortable or painful, stop doing it. Breath work can always be done alone, and this in itself lessens stress and anxiety.
Seek Inner Peace
Yoga is an exercise for both our minds and bodies. Strength, flexibility, and wisdom may be the outcomes achieved with practice. Every yoga class ends with a reverent head bow and the saying, “Namaste.” Namaste means the light in me sees the light in you. I encourage you to lighten your life with more peace and happiness. I mean it—go try a yoga class.
Reference
PII: S0001-2092(09)00849-7
doi:10.1016/j.aorn.2009.11.030
© 2009 AORN, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc All rights reserved.
