Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Yoga & Stress

The holidays can be stressful. Especially this time of year it may be easier to forget about yourself. Through the regular practice of yoga one can maintain a sense of inner peace, spontaneous joy and awareness.

Yoga teaches you how to breathe. If you have ever had a panic or anxiety attack look at your breath. When we do not breathe correctly the mind and body go in to survival mode if it is not getting enough oxygen. The mind may act out on a negative stream of thoughts when you do not breath correctly. The basic breath of all yoga styles is deep breathing from the abdomen. Inhaling and pushing your tummy out then exhaling as you draw it in. Full complet breaths. Just being aware of your breath during stressful times (even when in traffic) can do wonders for your mood and the people around you.

Mantras (ma = mind, tra = focus) are also good for teaching you how to breath correctly (one of many benefits). A deep breath with a simple long OOOOMMMMMMM until you need to inhale again can bring you back to your center. A mantra can also be in english so if you do not feel comfortable you can always pick a word or affirmation in place of.

Yoga has many styles, forms and intensities. Hatha yoga in particular, may be a good choice for stress managment and beginners. This style of yoga is designed to encourage a calmer mind with improved flexibility.

Take a class at your local yoga studio. They are best for finding authentic classes. It is always fun to bring a friend. I do not recommend going to a gym or fitness center, most gyms modify yoga as a body practice which loses many benefits of yoga's body,mind spirit connection.

Have a wonderful and stress free holiday.

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