Black Folks & Yoga

Why Yoga Can Work Wonders for Our Mental and Physical Health

Hey again, y'all!

We know that Yoga is an ancient practice that's been around for thousands of years, and it offers countless benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. However, the Black community has historically been underrepresented if not entirely absent in yoga spaces. 

Often perceived as a practice for wealthy, white women, yoga can feel exclusionary. Youtube isn't exactly overflowing with Black yoga instructors and some spaces can make yoga feel unwelcoming. 

I remember how I felt going into my first few classes-- completely out of place. Not to mention, yoga classes and club memberships can be on the pricey side. 

Nevertheless, yoga can offer us tools to address our mental health challenges, build some physical strength, and foster community. 

Surviving these next few years will require us to prioritize self-care, reduce our stress levels and take our overall wellbeing seriously. 

Benefits of Yoga

Increased Flexibility

One of the most well-known benefits of yoga is improved flexibility. Because Yoga poses have you stretching and lengthening your muscles, it can increase your range of motion and improve overall flexibility. 

So if you're experiencing more chronic pain or tension because of stress and/or your physically demanding job, yoga can be a gentle and effective way to release that tightness. Whether you’re sitting at a desk all day or working a labor-intensive job, yoga can help you feel more limber and comfortable in your body.

Improved Strength

Yes, you can also build strength with consistent yoga practice, particularly in your core and upper body. Many of these interesting-looking poses push you to support your body weight with your arms, which over time, can help build upper body strength. 

For strengthening your core muscles, there are poses such as plank and chair pose. 

Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Because of its focus on breathwork and mindfulness, yoga does wonders for reducing stress and anxiety. The emotional labor of navigating predominantly white spaces, living with systemic racism, dealing with microaggressions etc., etc., etc., are unique stressors we face on a daily basis, NOT including everyday socioeconomic, workplace, financial, physical and mental health struggles. 

Yoga gives us a safe space to process these emotions, release that tension, and cultivate our inner peace. By practicing yoga regularly, you can learn to better manage stress and develop coping mechanisms for dealing with life’s challenges.

Better Balance

Yoga poses often require you to balance on one leg or in a specific pose, which can improve your balance and coordination. This is especially helpful for older adults, who may be at a higher risk of falls. For my Black elders, hear me out! Tai Chi and Yoga can be a proactive way to maintain your independence.

Improved Sleep

Regular yoga practice has been shown to improve sleep quality and duration. How many of you get enough sleep at night? I know I can do better, but it's hard to shut down my mind sometimes. However, the stress-reducing benefits of yoga can help calm that busy mind and prepare our bodies for restful sleep. 

Some folks even claim it's a natural remedy for restless nights.

Lowered Blood Pressure

There are studies that show participating regularly in yoga can help lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. I don't need to remind anyone that we are disproportionately affected by high blood pressure and heart disease. The benefits of practicing yoga consistently can promote heart health and reduce the risk of chronic illness.

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Bringing it all together

Black folks don't always participate in yoga, but that's about to change, right?! 

Now you understand how yoga encourages self-reflection, self-compassion, and emotional release. And that can be deeply healing for us! By incorporating short sessions (at home initially if needed) and connecting with your body and breath, you can begin to process your emotions and release the weight of living while Black. 

While I'm not saying yoga is a cure for all that ails us, it is a gentle and manageable practice worth trying. 

Don't be discouraged by misconceptions, barriers, and the lack of black and brown instructors and students. Yoga is for everyone!  Embrace learning a new tool to help reduce stress, and let's build strength, empowerment and resilience in doing so.

Namaste

EM