10 Ways To Stay Mindful
- By Yoga Studio Calgary
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- 04 Sep, 2017
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How can you begin to create a meaningful mindfulness routine in your life no matter where you are, who you’re with or what you are doing? It’s easier than you may think….here’s a hint, don’t try too hard :)
- Only do one thing at a time…..it has been proven again and again that multitasking is stress inducing, inefficient and non-productive. This leaves you doing many things, however struggling to accomplish any one of those things.
- Rely on your breath. It’s right there with you always. Big exhales carry away stresses with them.
- Slow down and focus. Focusing on what you are doing, what you are eating, what you are reading will keep your full attention on that moment…….how many times have you heard people tell you, stay present.
- Applaud yourself for your accomplishments, not what you still have to get done.
- Allow your body to feel any and all emotions that come up or want to come up. If you’re feeling great, feel great and don’t feel guilty for feeling great. If you’re feeling crummy remind yourself it’s ok to feel crummy, the feeling will pass much faster, much easier.
- Go play outside…..I mean play. Get dirty, be silly, swing on the swings, let yourself go.
- Know that nothing is permanent. Good times or hard times, keep a perspective that this time isn’t forever.
- Laugh, laugh, laugh.
- Look for the good. Good can be found everywhere. When you find it, stay there.
- Remove the things in your life that you do not need, are taking up space, are no longer serving you….release.
Inhale: 1-2-3-4-5. Exhale: 1-2-3-4-5. If you’ve been doing breathing exercises to feel calmer, happier, and more focused, you know how soothing yoga is.
Despite being an ancient practice, yoga has become increasingly popular, and for good reason. It is suitable for people of all ages and effective for treating chronic conditions.
Interestingly, scientists have discovered that this practice has several mental health benefits. Let’s explore the relationship between yoga and well-being, as well as the evidence-based benefits of yoga.
Winter is here, it is that time of the year again when waking up early and practicing yoga becomes a difficult task and mostly ends up compromising it for an hour of extra sleep. But there are lesser-known facts about why we should practice yoga during winters and how it benefits us.
Spring is nature’s rebirth. Every year, when the soft green buds and the delicate pink blossoms appear on the cherry trees, we are given the opportunity to renew ourselves. In our yoga practice, this can be through a physical detox, a mental reboot or both.
So, it’s THAT time of year again. The cards are out, flowers and chocolates in the shops, and the candlelit tables are all booked up weeks in advance. With good reason, many of us find it all rather superficial and insincere. Perhaps some of us might join the cynical chorus asking why we need a specific day to express our affection for someone else. We may even go as far as to accuse the the forces of capitalism of driving demand for “stuff”. But I’m not here to monologue on the meaningfulness of St. Valentine’s Day, and I’m certainly not here to criticise anyone for wanting to express themselves or to show affection for someone else (we all need to be doing this more, not less).
Can yoga reduce anxiety?Yes! Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of yoga in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. In one study, women who participated in a three-month yoga program experienced significant improvements in perceived stress, anxiety, and depression. In another study, ten weeks of yoga helped reduce stress and anxiety for participants.
Happy New Year yogis! I’ve often found this time of year to be especially powerful in enhancing my yoga practice. Of course, yoga is always a powerful practice, but the gift of the new year brings deep reflection and introspection that can amplify processes of self-inquiry, expanding our spiritual awareness and commitment to yogic living.
