Are you overdoing yoga? Chronic fatigue, disturbed sleep are warning signs to let body heal

If you find yourself feeling unusually tired or lacking energy after your yoga sessions, it could be a sign that you’re overdoing yoga. (Image: Canva)

Yoga practices encompass various techniques to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Key practices include asanas (physical postures) that improve strength and flexibility, pranayama (breathing exercises) that regulate energy and calm the mind, and meditation to foster mental clarity and inner peace. Additionally, incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as yoga nidra or guided visualisations, can further support stress reduction and overall health. A balanced yoga routine integrates these elements, promoting harmony and balance in both body and mind.

To avoid overdoing it, monitor signs such as persistent fatigue, which indicates you might be pushing too hard without adequate rest. Don’t ignore more such red flags to maintain a healthy yoga practice, according to Madurai-based yoga practitioner Ashwini Nair.

Persistent fatigue: If you find yourself feeling unusually tired or lacking energy after your yoga sessions, it could be a sign that you’re overdoing it. The body needs time to recover and repair itself, and if you're not allowing adequate rest, you might feel drained.

Increased injury risk: Overtraining can increase your susceptibility to injuries. Repeated strain on the same muscles or joints without proper rest can lead to injuries such as strains, sprains, or even more serious conditions. Pay attention to any pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away.

Decreased performance: If your performance in yoga seems to be declining, such as reduced flexibility, strength, or balance, it might indicate that your body is not coping well with the intensity or frequency of your practice. Overtraining can lead to physical and mental fatigue, impacting your ability to perform.

Also see | Yoga for beginners: Start your yoga journey with these 8 beginner-friendly asanas

Sleep disturbances: Quality sleep is essential for recovery and overall health. If you’re having trouble falling or staying asleep, or if you wake up feeling unrested, it could be a sign that your body is overstressed from excessive yoga practice.

Mood changes: Emotional and mental well-being can be affected by overtraining. If you notice increased irritability, mood swings, or a general sense of frustration, it might be linked to the physical strain from doing too much yoga. The body and mind are closely connected, and excessive physical stress can impact your mood.

Decreased interest: Losing interest or feeling burned out from yoga can be a sign that you’re doing too much. If the practice starts to feel like a chore rather than something enjoyable and beneficial, it’s a cue that you might need to take a break or reduce the frequency of your sessions.