Stress Relief Though Yoga

As part of my quest to be my best this year, I have been returning to some of my favorite stress busters, yoga. Although I am not one to make it to a regular class, I’ve been doing a little yoga each day to relax and stretch my muscles and get in better shape.

The style of yoga I prefer is usually referred to as restorative yoga, which uses gentle poses to let the body rest and rejuvenate. Besides feeling great, it also helps to lower the heart rate and blood pressure. The pose pictured to the right is actually one of my favorites, although I don’t use anything under my back like what is shown. I find that it helps my back to “realign” itself while letting the fluid and blood from my legs find its way back to my torso and heart.  For some other ideas on yoga poses that can help decrease your stress, click here for a great online feature by Ladies Home Journal.

Yoga is just one part of my ever growing wellness and fitness regimen but one that I look forward to every day. It helps me to calm and center myself and to make a few minutes of time for just pure relaxation and quiet.  I think it is a great addition to any exercise program as well as a good supplement to massage therapy or other “hands-on” stress management. All the same, it is important for you to check with your doctor about beginning yoga or any other exercise program if you have not been actively involved in an exercise or fitness program.

Remember to Relax Over the Thanksgiving Holidays

The holidays can be stressful for all of us even in the best of times. Forced family gatherings, long travel days and larger than normal grocery bills have a way of taking their toll on all of us.

It is important now as always to stay focused on making time for ourselves to unwind and regroup. Here are a few tips I found through Rush University Medical Center to help all of us de-stress.

Breath slowly and deeply — slowing your breath begins the relaxation response.

• Start by extending your exhale out for longer than you usually would. Soon you’ll find that your inhales have naturally become slower and deeper.

Regular excercise has been shown to reduce stress — so get moving.

• A walk with a friend or loved one can bring you back to your calm self.

Try meditation — start by being aware of your breathing.

• One simple technique is to say to yourself “I’m breathing out” as you exhale and say to yourself “I’m breathing in” as you inhale. Start with three minutes and slowly add a minute until you’re able to sit in meditation for 15 minutes.

Click here to read more on their website. And add your own activities to the list that you enjoy or that help you recenter yourself. I promise you’ll feel more thankful and appreciative about your own life immediately…and that’s what Thanksgiving is all about!