Taking a break

So I can officially say it. I need yoga in my life.
  The past week I had to take a break from my practice. It was March break and the I was running a special needs camp at work, I was working about 10 hours a day, and on top of that I got sick. First I got stuffy, then the headaches began. But prone to overworking and of course stressing about making my camp perfect, I firstly put it down to that. I was nearly able to make it to class on Wednesday but thought an early night was in need, and yes I listened to my body. Did what all those teachers tell you to do. I listened. However I felt groggy, bored, frustrated and fatigued. And I'll admit my temper at home was sharp. Why out of all the weeks to get sick, was it the one week I was running the camp on my own. Why when I had fantastic children learning things each day, did I get sick.
 This time last year I got full blown influenza and I was REALLY sick. I was off work for a whole week, very unlike me. I'm that type of person that will take the day off only when I'm told to make sure my germs are kept at bay rather than sharing with the vulnerable children I work with, but would still have energy to write reports, do the washing etc. But that week no, I was in bed all week and didn't care for food (very unlike me). That said, this time round I just had a cold. I was proud to say that this winter I had been lucky so far to not get sick, especially in the environment in which I work. I really did put it down to the yoga. I practiced regularly, detoxing my body with the breathing and quite frankly the sweat. My mind was active, my body was active and I had a perfect balance of sleep and lifestyle. It may sound silly to some of you, but I truly believe that this week I felt as I did, because I stopped my practice.
  Why do I think this? Well I've just finished another yoga teacher training weekend, and I was nervous to get back into the Ashtanga practice. The last thing I wanted was to sweat, turn my body upside down and use every muscle in my body. I was nervous my body would be stiff I would feel very sore after, and I would struggle with my breathing. But I did it, then I did it again, and then after Saturday that wasn't enough, I went home and did some more. I felt amazing. Even fairly stuffy in my head, my body felt amazing. I was folding forwards with great flexibility, got complimented on my jump throughs looking light and airy and I nearly got into supta kumasana. We practiced Mysore in the afternoon on Saturday and after dinner taught the class to each other. Usually at this time I save energy and half heartedly participate in the poses, but this time I did it with as much effort as I could. I got home, felt amazing and started to practice some vinyasa poses. Then I slept amazing. Then Sunday, yes I felt slightly sore as predicted, but went back to a led primary class and felt great again.
  Was it that I missed yoga that much, or was it that I gave myself enough rest that my body felt stronger? Usually each day I feel something going on, either in my neck, arms, shoulders, back, or legs due to the positions I have gotten myself into, but I hadn't had that for over a week. I was pleased that the rest was a good thing, although the rest didn't feel good at the time. But still the weekend has left me feeling refreshed and positive, and my mind feels more de cluttered (although work knows it shouldn't be).
  I can confirm yoga is needed in your life, well definitely mine. To find balance in and out of practice, to allow me to sleep well, allow my digestion to feel ok and to feel just generally more healthy. I'm sure after last week, my fiance may confirm, yes she needs yoga, and will even tell me when I need yoga from now on. I feel my personality and patience has changed in life. I am definitely less pessimistic and find enjoyment with now, versus worrying or complaining about the future, but without the physical practice, my physical body suffers.

Stay healthy
Namaste