Ways to Train Your Mind and Body (That Aren't Yoga!)

R esearch has shown that physical exercises can be effective to help train the mind. Yoga uses this concept to achieve optimal brain functions, which in turn help you to achieve a better outlook on life. However, there are other ways to train the mind and the body. Below are some of our favourite alternatives.

Starting Out Easy

• Deep breathing exercises: Deep breathing exercises increase oxygen in the blood and enable better blood circulation to the brain. In turn, these relieve stress and can even improve confidence. There are many different breathing techniques for different purposes.
• Tai Chi: Tai Chi is a dance-like form of martial arts that originated in China. It is a self-paced, non-competitive form of physical exercise. Based on principles from ancient Chinese philosophies like Taoism and Confucianism, Tai-Chi consists of five elements: hand and weapon routines, breathing and movement exercise, meditation, response drills and self-defence.

If You Want High-Intensity Exercise

• Dance: Following the steps of dance moves requires superior concentration and full synchronization of the body movements with the mind. As a result, dance forms like ballet and contemporary dance are useful alternatives to Yoga.
• Trapeze: Trapeze is an acrobatic art where an acrobat performs aerial routines on a horizontal, free-swinging bar. It is commonly seen in circus art. Similar to some advanced Yoga movements, trapeze pushes the body to the limits of its strength and flexibility.
• Martial Arts: Encompassing a wide variety of ancient and modern practices, martial arts have all the benefits of Yoga. They require a lot of physical movement, push the body to its limits, and teach breathing control. They may also provide opportunities for moving meditation and mindfulness.