What’s the difference between yoga and stretching?

This question crossed my mind several times when I first started yoga. Even when I thought I understood, I never really did until my practice became regular and I saw first hand the differences in my mind and body.

Yoga originated in India somewhat 5,000 years ago. Over time, the practice has made its way to the West becoming distorted on its journey and landing here largely as just another form of exercise. Instagram hasn’t helped this message with attractive people bending into difficult positions flooding our feeds. Don’t get me wrong, this takes a lot of hard work and dedication and is part of yoga, but it’s when yoga becomes solely about the handstands, a toned stomach and touching your toes that it loses its essence.

Let’s break down the differences between yoga and stretching starting with the physical then the mental.

1. Stretching can be dynamic whereas yoga postures are static

2. Stretching involves only the extension and lengthening of muscles, whereas yoga postures involve variations of stretching as well as strengthening, balance and alignment

3. Stretching can be done whilst having a conversation, watching tv etc, whereas the fundamental basis of yoga is the focus on the breath

4. Stretching involves just stretching, whereas yoga involves physical postures, breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation

Although both stretching and yoga can relieve tight muscles, increase range of motion and improve flexibility, yoga is so much more than just the physical aspect. It is the mental benefits that can be gained from yoga that truly sets it apart from other forms of exercise.

When reading about the benefits of yoga, it is often stated to help calm the mind, reduce anxiety, increase focus etc. But how can yoga do all of these things?

If you’ve been to a yoga class before you’ll have noticed how many times the teacher remind you to inhale and exhale (as if you might forget).In yoga, the breath is used as an anchor into the present moment. When we are focused on our breath, our mind is unable to drift to anxieties of the past (why did they leave me on read? why didn’t I ask that in the meeting?) or stresses of the future of the future (how will I prepare for that presentation? Will they like me on the date?). The breath is an ever present medium into the here and now and now and is the way for your mind to apply to the breaks to the constant mental chatter.

From the regular practice of yoga, maintaining this continuous focus on your breath, leaving behind the thoughts that cause stress and anxiety, you will gradually start to realise:

1. Increased awareness of your body (e.g. self correcting your posture, noticing different signals your body is communicating to you)

2. A more positive mindset and clearer intuition (e.g. noticing and stopping negative or repetitive thoughts)

3. More calmness in your emotions (i.e. more balanced, less reactive)

Even if you don’t want to/like to/know how to sit in silence and give your mind a break, use your physical yoga practice as a form of moving meditation. I promise through this regular practice you will start seeing huge changes in yourself. Speaking from personal experience, yoga changed me for the better, both physically and mentally.