Falling into Routine
Yoga Studio Calgary • September 4, 2018
Self care practices for a time of change
It's September! Although difficult to kiss the sweet summer heat away, the beginning of fall encourages a sort of reset within ourselves. Long, lazy, days of vacation lead way to new routines and structure alongside the colorful leaves and crisp air. Going through any sort of change or transition may be difficult as we tend to resist what is new and uncomfortable. Here are some healthy, helpful suggestions to make this shift a little easier:
- Establish beneficial sleeping habits
by going
to sleep and waking up at the same time every day, even on the weekends or days
off. This will allow your body to respect its own natural circadian rhythms,
sleep/wake cycle. Encouraging proper
hormone release, digestion, metabolism, body temperature regulation, alertness,
and other essential functions.
- Hydrate your body
. You have heard it before,
and will hear it again. This is so crucial to optimal health and wellbeing. We
are comprised of 70% water, and absolutely depend on it for proper body-functioning.
Starting your day with warm water (add some lemon!) will stimulate the
digestion process and finishing the day with a glass before bed has been shown
to improve circulation, and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Move . Get on your mat, flow, dance, run, walk, bike, swim, whatever inspires you! The natural endorphins released in your body from exercise are the most powerful antidepressant available. Besides, the energy that follows any movement session will definitely help better ~move~ you through your day.
- Eat.Good.Food ... Simple. Make it real, clean, fresh, and inspiring. Choose foods that come from nature and are as close as possible to their natural form. Listen to your body and eat foods that will ultimately nourish you, and eat just enough to feel satisfied. Choose colorful bright fruits and vegetables in all the shades of the rainbow, and get your family involved in their preparation. This will also encourage your children to build strong, healthy relationships with their own eating habits. Experiment with different recipes and spices to keep cooking fun and enjoyable.
- Reflect. There are many forms of meditation; sitting or laying in silence, writing, listening to music, reading, a long walk or bath. This part of your day is solely for you and gives you an honest opportunity to cultivate a sense of self, reduce stress and develop concentration.
- Breathe . Enjoy a moment ( or even better a few ) from your day, focusing on your breath. Close your eyes, place your hands on your belly and imagine breathing into the space that you are now holding in your hands. Long, slow inhales and exhales are delicious, and the effects can be felt almost immediately. This can be done anywhere and is a nice little reset or check in with yourself.
With a little careful planning, dedication, and respect for yourself and wellbeing, you will be right on your way to a healthy, wholesome, and grounded Fall season.
-Fall in love with taking care of yourself-
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.
