Most people are already aware that the formula for a happy and healthy life is to exercise and eat well. However, today’s hectic lifestyles often mean that we frequently find ourselves in stressful situations. To combat stress we need to learn to relax, and that’s where meditation and yoga come in.

The practice of yoga has been around for hundreds of years (or more). It originated in India and was introduced by holy men (called yogis) who meditated together for days to train their minds and bodies to achieve a sense of well-being. Today, many people think of yoga in terms of different styles of yoga, or in terms of yoga poses, but it is actually a combination of these exercises and the practice of meditation.

However, it is not necessary to practice meditation and yoga simultaneously, as the two complement each other in any way. However, in general, combining the practice of yoga with meditation will have a synergistic effect, working simultaneously on both the mind and the body. Participating in meditation and yoga requires a certain amount of self-discipline, and beginners need to be very careful to follow directions carefully. Ideally, the beginner in yoga and meditation should join a class, where a qualified instructor can demonstrate the correct way to practice the postures and can make sure that all movements are performed effectively. Often times, the presence of other students in the class will also serve as motivation to continue yoga.

Of course, a class is not necessary, especially if there are no yoga classes in your area, or you cannot find the time to travel to the nearest yoga center. Yoga is possible in the comfort of your home, and with the number of yoga DVDs available today, it is also possible to get almost the same level of instruction that you would get from attending a class. You can also practice yoga online with other people, which can help motivate you to practice yoga regularly.

In an ideal world, we would all have time to practice yoga every day, but this is not realistic for many people. If possible, try to do your yoga at least three times a week. If you don’t have a lot of time, it may be possible to divide your practice time into 20-minute chunks, or even less if necessary. You may find that regular yoga practice gives you more energy and allows you to do your housework more efficiently, thus freeing up time for more yoga!

If you decide to practice yoga and meditation at home, it is a great idea to buy yourself a yoga mat, comfortable clothing, and even yoga music (or other appropriate music). Most of these should be available in the sports department of your local department store, but if not, you should be able to find them online.