Week 3: Mindful Movement & Yoga
In this week, we delve deeper into the profound reasons why Mindful Movement & Yoga are essential for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, especially in the lead-up to the busy holiday season.
"Your body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in."
Mindful Movement & Yoga contribute significantly to your physical health:
- Strength and Flexibility: Through a series of deliberate postures and movements, yoga gradually builds strength and enhances flexibility. This not only improves physical performance but also reduces the risk of injuries..
- Pain Relief: Many individuals experience relief from chronic pain conditions, such as back pain, through regular yoga practice. The gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can alleviate discomfort.
- Better Posture: Yoga emphasizes body awareness, helping you maintain proper alignment and posture. This can alleviate strain on your muscles and reduce the risk of developing posture-related issues.
I want you to feel like you have stretched your body and mind awake. Taken some deep breaths and created space in the body to create space for your day.
Morning side stretch:
Yin flow to wind down and digest:
To wind down from your day. A great one to do anytime, helps digestion as well as space for the mind to calm. You may want a small cushion or towel and be able to access a wall in your room.
Some of the key stretches, breathes and poses I use to ground and relax of a night. Done in my pj’s and all! Enjoy!
Night time nurture:
Yoga
Discover the holistic benefits of yoga during our 'Month of Mindfulness.' Cultivate physical strength, mental clarity, and emotional balance before the holiday rush in a supportive community dedicated to your well-being."
"Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self."
Sun salutations are the base of all yoga practices. They include inversion (head below heart), strength, backbend, extension, and flexion of the spine. I am going to break in down and start slow. Then build it up. Enjoy!
Sun Salutations:
Start the day with Energy:
This flow is to help you wake up in the morning naturally. No coffee needed, just bring in morning energy. Utilising a cleansing breath to bring energy to your day and get your circulation going.
Open your lungs, cleanse the body, breath fresh air and get your heart beating. Our breath is our life force called prana in yogic terms. When we bring in fresh oxygenated air we can function optimally. Enjoy connecting to your breath.
*If pregnant for this flow be mindful of twists and always turn the opposite way to make it an open twist.
Breathe
Mental Clarity
The mental benefits of yoga and mindful movement extend far beyond the physical realm:
- Stress Reduction: Mindful movement and yoga encourage deep breathing and present-moment awareness, which are effective tools for managing stress and anxiety.
- Enhanced Focus: Regular practice sharpens your ability to concentrate. This heightened focus can be particularly beneficial when navigating the distractions of the holiday season.
- Emotional Regulation: Yoga and movement practices help you connect with your emotions and develop emotional intelligence. This newfound awareness allows you to respond to challenging situations with greater resilience and composure.
Emotional Balance
"Yoga is the art of awareness on the canvas of body, mind, and soul."
In the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle, emotional balance is crucial:
- Cultivating Compassion: Mindful movement encourages self-compassion and empathy towards others, fostering harmonious relationships during the festive season.
- Stress Resilience: Yoga equips you with the tools to navigate stressful family gatherings and social events, maintaining your emotional equilibrium.
- Enhanced Self-Awareness: These practices provide a reflective space for introspection, helping you understand your emotions and reactions better.