Yoga BLOG

What do you need to know for your health? Do you love sitting in front of your computer for hours, playing one game after another? You're not alone. There are so many people who incorporate this type of relaxation into their daily lives, thereby indulging in social interaction, creativity, and a sense of adventure. However, if you sit in your chair for long periods of time, minor or major physical discomforts can arise from time to time—a tense back, a sore neck, or numb limbs. If this is the case for you, soothing asanas can help. In this article, you'll learn why combining yoga and gaming makes sense and how you can do something good for yourself. Staying healthy while playing: How can it work? Anyone who regularly plays video games knows about the problems. In addition to physical complaints, mental issues can also arise from time to time. In addition to a lack of concentration, anxiety or other problems can also arise. This is especially true when people prefer combat-oriented games and generally isolate themselves completely from society. How can you improve your health while gaming? 1. Regularly get fresh air One of the most important tips for gamers is to get regular exercise in the fresh air. This doesn't have to be for hours; it's usually enough to just walk for half an hour in the park, along the fields, or into the forest. This will recharge your batteries, supply your body with plenty of oxygen, and increase your concentration and focus. On top of that, you'll counteract tension in your body. 2. Yoga exercises Similar to fresh air, special yoga poses on the mat are good for mobilizing your body, stretching body parts, and loosening the fascia. Remember that dynamic flows are particularly beneficial for sedentary work. For example, you can practice Vinyasa flows or other more challenging poses. As a beginner, you can, of course, start gently and work your way up slowly. In this case—and to get out of your gaming room for a while—you can even try a yoga class at a studio. Here, you'll learn all the key postures and the correct execution, so you can then practice your favorite poses in the comfort of your own home. Yoga is so beneficial because the Buddhist asanas bring body, mind and soul into harmony, stimulate the circulation, supply the body with plenty of new oxygen thanks to healing breathing techniques, and stretch and build the muscles. The following exercises are especially ideal for game lovers: a) Virabhadrasana (Warrior/Hero Pose) This is a standing position in which you place your left leg forward (at a relatively straight angle) and your right leg back and straighten it. You "drop" into this position, keeping your torso upright and moving your arms backward and forward or extending them upward. There are several variations, such as Warrior I and II, which differ slightly in execution. When practicing, pay attention to the exact position, which you can learn about in a class or watching a video. This exercise strengthens the thighs and glutes. As a gamer, you also benefit from other effects, such as the encouraging and inspiring effect that this pose can bring. b) Stretch your neck The neck often becomes tense when sitting in front of the computer for too long. Therefore, you can counteract this with gentle movements. Here, you can circle your head from left to right. This stretches your neck and stimulates circulation. It can also be helpful to place your head alternately on your left and right shoulder and hold it there for a few breaths. You will see that this will help your neck and head relax. c) Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog) This pose is very well known – and not just from the Sun Salutation. It stretches your spine, which is especially beneficial after a long day in front of the computer. It stretches the backs of your legs and improves circulation. It can also be beneficial for headaches, a busy mind, and sleep problems. To do this, get into a quadruped position, raise your buttocks backward, and stretch your legs, back, and arms. The soles of your feet and hands are on the floor. Stay in this position for a few breaths. d) Setu Bandhasana (shoulder bridge) To improve spinal flexibility, it's worth practicing the shoulder bridge pose. In this pose, lie on your back, lift your buttocks, and support your hips from behind with your hands (or you can stay in the air without support, where you simply place your arms at your sides). This can provide effective relief for common neck tension and lumbar pain. It can also stimulate the regeneration of abdominal organs. Your legs will be strengthened. You can try all of these exercises and see how they affect your body, mind, and soul. Otherwise, it's recommended to listen to your body's intuition and further support this area of your body with specific postures. Increase concentration while gaming: How do you do it? Even though yoga has a very holistic approach, you can still do specific concentration exercises. Poses like Tree Pose and Mountain Pose , for example, are among those that straighten you up internally and externally, train your balance, and thus increase your concentration. Further tips are: fresh air A wholesome, healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables as well as nuts for the brain drink plenty of water Breathing techniques that help you restore focus and inner balance. For example, you can try alternate nostril breathing or breath of fire on your pillow . Alternate nostril breathing is perfect for restoring balance to your mind and your entire system. Breath of fire aims to ensure adequate oxygen supply to the body. It also increases lung capacity and can improve the respiratory system. It also boosts energy, which is beneficial after long gaming sessions. Meditations to clear your mind, release anxious and blocking thoughts, and connect with yourself. After performing yoga exercises, be sure to include a short meditation to clear your mind and strengthen your connection to yourself—this is very important after the distraction of being in front of a screen. Be sure to try the asanas mentioned above and the other tips and see what changes. Do you enjoy playing PC games? If so, have you ever used yoga to keep your body fit and improve your concentration?