At the time of writing, I’m a year and a half into my “yoga journey”. And I’ll tell you what, it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.

My mind and body feels calmer. And I can tell the difference… just by standing up!

I didn’t realise how much physical tension I carried in my lower back and hips. I only noticed it once it went. Because this tension was my “normal”.

Narcissists chaotic and antagonistic ways gradually build stress in our mind and body. And our nervous system gets triggered into flight or fight mode. Which releases stress hormones.

Sadly even when you’re free from the narcissist, this tension and stress can remain for years. So you need to find ways to release it.

Meditation is a great way to relieve mental and physical stress. But it focusses more on mental than physical tension. (Please CLICK HERE to check out my free guided meditation audio session.)

Whilst relieving mental stress is good, most people neglect the physical element. Luckily yoga is great for releasing it.

If you’re physically tense and thinking of trying yoga, it’s worth knowing the benefits. Because this helps motivate you. So here’s some of the benefits I’ve experienced with yoga…

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Removes Stored Tension

Stress isn’t just “in your head”. It physically stores in your muscles.

Most people experience tight shoulders, a clenched jaw, or a stiff back during narcissist relationships. Does this sound familiar?

Years of tension stays in our muscles. And keeps them tight. Even after the narcissist has gone.

Yoga gently releases muscular tension and knots, and promotes better circulation. Which allows tension to leave your body.

Also, your mind learns to trust your body when you move into unusual positions. Because when you move into the unknown, your mind is unsure what it can handle. So it tenses you up to stop you hurting yourself.

Regularly moving your body in different ways, builds trust between your mind and body. So your muscles relax, and trust they’re not going to get injured when you move.

Mind Body Connection

Holding some yoga poses can be challenging. Believe me, it’s harder than it looks! But after a few weeks, I learnt to control my breathing. Which made holding these poses much easier.

When under stress, we tense up, and breathe shallow and erratically. So during yoga, you may feel fatigued and out of breath when holding a pose. But once you learn to relax and let go, it gets much easier to handle.

This lesson carries into day-to-day life. When you’re feeling stressed or under pressure, you can keep your nervous system calm by controlling your breathing, and staying in the moment. Just like when you hold a yoga pose.

Emotional Release Through Mindfulness

Yoga cultivates mindfulness, teaching you to be present without judgement. So instead of avoiding the pain of a pose, you learn to embrace it. To feel it, and stay in the moment.

When you do this, something profound occurs. You feel less pain. Because a big part of pain is your resistance to it.

Being mindful of how you feel in each pose, teaches you to acknowledge and process difficult emotions. Rather than avoid them. This sense of acceptance is deeply therapeutic, reducing rumination and mental overactivity that fuels stress.

Releases Endorphins

Yoga stimulates the release of endorphins. Which are natural mood boosters and pain relievers.

After a session of yoga, and even the next day, I always feel great. So I remind myself of this, any time I’m tempted to skip a session!

Social Side

If you go to yoga classes, then you’ll meet like minded people. These are people who want to improve themselves, and are prepared to work for it.

You become part of a small community in your yoga class. And you’re likely to get to know other people. Which is always a good thing.

Over the years, I’ve developed a pretty good narcissist radar. But so far I’ve not encountered anyone at yoga who screams narcissist. Which is rare these days!

I’m guessing that narcissistic people don’t bother with yoga. Because you can’t see the results in the same way you can with other exercises. Particularly strength training.

Narcissists are usually lazy, vain, and superficial. So they don’t care about the health benefits of exercise. Only how it makes them look.

Narcissists want the maximum visible results, for the minimal effort. But yoga doesn’t give them this. Yoga makes you feel great, but the results don’t jump out for others to see. So narcissists aren’t interested.

Most people leave narcissist relationships suspicious of people. Which is understandable (I know from experience!). Meeting good people at yoga helps restore your faith in humanity.

Increased Flexibility, Balance, And Coordination

Yoga helps increase flexibility. Which reduces muscle stiffness, and the twinges you feel when moving into awkward positions. Even something as simple as sitting on the floor and standing up, feels noticeably easier.

Many yoga poses challenge your balance and coordination. Which helps you feel more confident with your physical self. Which is a much needed boost, as narcissists do their best to erode your confidence.

At the time of writing I’m 49 years old. But my flexibility is better now than when I was 19. In fact it’s much better. If that’s not a positive, then I don’t know what is!

Final Thoughts

Yoga has helped me feel more positive about the future. Because I know that ageing doesn’t have to involve deteriorating to the point of immobility.

In fact, not only am I not deteriorating, I’m improving. Which helps me feel even more positive about the future.

I feel more relaxed, physically and mentally. And when I do feel anxious or stressed, I can quickly calm myself with a few slow deep breaths.

If you’re interested in yoga, take the plunge and see what your local area offers. If you don’t want to join a class just yet, check out YouTube. It contains many free guided yoga sessions to get you started. Give it a go. Who knows, this could be the thing that unlocks your healing!

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How To Reverse Ageing Caused By Narcissists