While there are many different styles that have their own unique
aspects, in general, yoga is an ancient practice that incorporates a
holistic view of the mind and body, bringing the two together through a
series of movements and meditations. Regardless of which style of yoga,
there is some unique elements when considering yoga for children.
Before starting your child in a yoga program, you will want to be
comfortable with the instructor, and you'll want to understand what
physical and psychological benefits you can expect for your child.
As
any parent would agree, it is very important to feel comfortable with
any coach or instructor you are entrusting with your child's
well-being. Teaching children in any formalized setting takes a special
talent that not everyone has. When it comes to teaching yoga for
children, the flexibility that the instructor shows in allowing for
questions and different learning styles will be more important than her
physical flexibility. You want your child to have a positive learning
experience from this activity, so you should speak to the instructor and
probably even watch a class before enrolling your child.
The
physical benefits of yoga will be easy to see after your child has been
practicing for a while. While it looks deceptively easy, yoga will help
your child develop both strength and flexibility throughout his entire
body, especially in the core muscles. Another of the physical benefits
you will see is increased coordination, especially if your child is near
or at the age of puberty, which can be one of the most awkward times
for a child because of the physical changes his body is undergoing.
Along
with the physical benefits, your child will find the practice of yoga
to be a relaxing stress reliever. While most adults don't think much
about it, the constant pressure of school work and homework, a busy
schedule of activities outside of school, and the competitive nature of
many sports activities children are so often involved in these days can
cause a considerable amount of stress for the child. Yoga provides
stress relief for children much the same as it does for adults.
An
added benefit in the practice of yoga for children is that some
research shows it to provide some relief for the symptoms of
hyperactivity and ADHD. One of the common factors in these disorders is
that the sufferer craves physical movement, which yoga provides while
at the same time providing a sense of calm and quiet. This can continue
into the child's life outside yoga.
Once you have found the right
instructor, yoga can provide many benefits for almost any child.
Whether you are looking to help your child's physical development,
relieve his stress, or find an alternative to traditional treatment for a
specific disorder, yoga is an all-in-one solution.
My Sunday Funday yoga favorite this week is...
Another really inspired yoga video from Yoga With Adriene! <3
Beautiful yoga session...
@YogaWithAdriene has done it again, yet another way yoga can help you deal with the trials and tribulations of everyday life...
Yoga can be used as a sleep-aid as well as an aid to our morning routine! Wonderful!
After using this routine for a week I feel so much more in tune with myself, allowing me to use my time so much more successfully and get a lot done... I wonder how it will effect me if I do it for the whole month...
Establish your flow in your yoga practice to get more out of it...
1. Oil pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy
where oil is swished or held in the mouth. Ayurvedic literature states
oil pulling is capable of improving oral and systemic health, including a
benefit in conditions such as headaches, migraines, diabetes mellitus,
asthma, and acne, as well as whitening teeth.
All you have to do
is, first thing in the morning, put a tablespoon of cold-pressed sesame
or coconut oil in your mouth and swish it in your mouth for 10-20
minutes, then spit it out and brush your teeth as per normal.
Studies
show that it makes your teeth and gums healthier. On top of that, it
whitens your teeth which will hopefully encourage you to smile more!
2. Warm lemon water
This morning ritual, when done regularly, also does
wonders to your skin - makes it youthful and glowing due to the amount of antioxidants and vitamins it contains.
3. Jump
The
lymphatic system is a part of the circulatory system, containing a
network of lymphatic vessels that carry a clear fluid called lymph,
which is essentially recycled blood plasma. The lymphatic system plays
an important role in removing the toxins from the body. However, it's
not pumped by an organ, unlike a heart pumps blood. So we need to move
in order for our lymphatic system to be moved, so we can benefit from an
efficient detoxification process.
Simply do 50 jumping jacks as
soon as you get out of bed! It will wake you up and will start pumping
your lymphatic system. Jogging, aerobics or dancing is also a great way
to achieve this.
4. Classical music
Listening to classical
music reduces stress which is very important for your overall health and
well-being. Studies show that listening to classical music also
improves cognitive / mental capacity, which sets you up for a productive
and creative day. Known as the "Mozart effect", a set of research
contends that listening to Mozart's music can make you momentarily
smarter, raising your IQ by a few points while you're listening.
Set
your alarm clock 15-30 minutes earlier than usual and listen to Mozart,
Bach or Beethoven, etc. while you're still in bed and trying to wake
up. Maybe even do your oil pulling during this time!
5. Move
There's
no doubt that exercise is beneficial for your physical and mental
health, mood, productivity and longevity. If you don't exercise on a
regular basis already, then what are you waiting for? If you don't do it
because you dread exercise, then it's important to find some activity
that you really enjoy. Do you love yoga, dancing, hiking, tennis,
swimming, spin classes, Pilates, cycling or lifting weight? When you're
having fun, it doesn't feel like work. So instead of calling it "working
out" you can rename it to "fun out"!
You intend to make sure you fixed your goals and results for the
day in your morning ritual. You are able to do this in your undertaking
management system, or within a journal entry, or nevertheless, you like.
There is the assumption that you've got longer-term goals written out
without a doubt (go ahead and write them when you don't).
Yoga is such a helpful mindfulness and exercise tool that can brighten your day! If you've been thinking about getting started but aren't sure of quite what to do Yoga with Adriene will really help you! Give it a go today!
My yoga workouts have improved ten fold after watching these videos! Awesome!!
"Most people think they have to feel good first in order to laugh. But you can start from nothing, you can even start feeling unhappy and just laugh as a form of exercise, and happy feelings follow." -- Jeffrey Briar, Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher.
In 1995 an Indian family physician, Doctor Madan Kataria, started the first Laughter Club in a park in Bombay, India to put into practice what he aptly named Hasya or Laughter Yoga ("Hasya" means laughter in Sanskrit). Dr. Kataria was conducting research on the effects of laughter on health and was amazed by the number of studies showing the profound physiological and psychological benefits of laughter.
Armed with determination and a wish to help others improve their health and feelings of wellbeing through laughter, he went to a public park near his home and convinced four other people to start a Laughter Club there. This action was at first considered to be a bit bizarre by his friends and colleagues. However, little by little, more and more people joined in. Today, his friends aren't laughing at him anymore, now they're laughing with him: laughter is contagious, and Laughter Yoga has swept the globe.
Since the beginnings of Laughter Yoga in that park in Bombay, Dr. Kataria has taken Laughter Yoga to schools and orphanages, prisons, hospitals, senior homes, institutions for people with disabilities, and corporations. In addition, Laughter Clubs have sprung up all over the world.
o There are currently more than 6,000 Laughter Clubs worldwide
o Laughter Clubs exist in over 50 countries, in 5 continents
o There are more than 250,000 people who participate in Laughter Clubs
Benefits of Laughter
Some of the many benefits of laughter are the following:
1. It oxygenates cell tissues.
2. Laughter helps to relieve stress and decreases stress hormones in the body such as cortisol and adrenaline.
3. Laughter strengthens the immune system.
4. When we laugh our bodies release hormones and chemicals that have positive effects on our system. One of these chemicals is endorphins, the feel-good hormone. Because laughter increases the level of endorphins in the body, it's a natural pain killer.
5. One minute of laughing burns the same number of calories as 6 to 10 minutes on a treadmill. So go ahead and laugh off those extra pounds. In addition, laughter is gentle exercise. It fills your lungs and body with oxygen, deep-clears your breathing passages and exercises your lungs.
6. Laughing raises your mood; joyfulness through laughter is the fastest way to create a positive state of mind. Laughter also helps to combat depression.
7. Laughing is good for the heart and improves blood circulation.
8. Laughter is anti-aging! It tones facial muscles and increases blood supply to the face, which nourishes the skin and gives it a healthy glow.
9. Internal organs are stimulated when you laugh which enhances efficiency of vital organs and improves digestion and bowel movement.
10. Because laughter increases the secretion of endorphins, it can help reduce cravings for chocolate and other comfort foods.
Laughter Yoga Sessions
The sessions do not use humor to invoke laughter; you won't find people sitting in a circle taking turns telling jokes or using humor to make each other laugh. Instead, a Laughter Yoga session consists of a series of exercises which include simulated laughter, yoga techniques, funny gestures, systematic giggling and guffawing, and improv-like activities. You don't have to be happy to laugh and you don't need a reason to laugh: scientists and doctors agree that fake or simulated laughter has the same physiological effects as spontaneous laughter. That is, fake it until you make it.
Although some simple Yoga techniques are incorporated into Laughter Yoga sessions--such as deep breathing with inhalation through the nose and prolonged exhalation, as well as shoulder, neck and stretching exercises--you won't be asked to go into "Downward Dog Position" or the "Triangle Pose" during Laughter Yoga. The main reason it's called Laughter Yoga is because the word "Yoga" means union, or the integration of body with mind and soul.
As you can see from the list of "requirements" below, Laughter Yoga is for everyone:
o Laughter Yoga can be done indoors or outside.
o Some Laughter Clubs meet at the beach or in public parks, while others meet in conference rooms, classrooms, hospitals, and so on.
o No equipment or props are required.
o There's no special clothing that you need to wear.
o Laughter Yoga can be practiced by people of all ages and fitness levels. Basically, you can practice Laughter Yoga whether you're young or old; fit or unfit; flexible or stiff.
o Laughter Clubs are led by Certified Laughter Yoga Leaders.
o Most Laughter Clubs are free, although some charge a small fee to cover costs or ask for a small donation.
o A session usually lasts from 20 to 30 minutes.
Laughter Yoga is easy to do and it can help you to improve your health and increase your sense of well-being. So look for a Laughter Club in your area and join in!
Note: The quote by Jeffrey Briar was taken from Alternative Medicine-Live! "Laughter Yoga Trend No Joke in California" by Derrick Walker, February 17, 2008.
In
Anxiety Relief,
Breathing
Yoga For Complete Beginners - Relaxation & Flexibility Stretches 15 Minu...
Fancy getting up 15 minutes earlier to try this every morning for a week?
Anyone fancy a bit of Sunday afternoon yoga?
Our hectic lifestyles often have us running around in circles wondering what to do next. It's not that we don't have an agenda in place; it's that we often feel scattered or derailed when a wrench is thrown into the plans.
1. Upon rising take a minute or two to stretch. According to the Mayo Clinic, stretching increases muscle flexibility, which improves daily performance and overall movement. It also increases blood flow to your muscles and your brain, while at the same it relaxes you, thus easing tension and stress.
5. Take a moment for gratitude. Acknowledge all the good things you have going for you – your health, your family, your opportunities and everything else going well in your life. When you appreciate what you have, somehow more good things find their way to you. Likewise, studies have shown that maintaining a sense of gratitude can help you sustain a more positive mood and sense of well being throughout the day.
Here are 7 useful practices to kick start your day no matter what happens to threaten your sanity! You can implement some, one, or any combination of them into your daily routine. Either way it's bound to give you a boost!
Here's how to kick start your day:
1. Upon rising take a minute or two to stretch. According to the Mayo Clinic, stretching increases muscle flexibility, which improves daily performance and overall movement. It also increases blood flow to your muscles and your brain, while at the same it relaxes you, thus easing tension and stress.
2. Take a moment for mindfulness reflection. After stretching, slow down your breathing by taking in a few deep breaths and then concentrate on how you feel, what you see, and what you smell. Not only will being mindful sharpen your senses, it will help prepare you for the day ahead by increasing your awareness and ability to focus.
3. Have a little book of inspirational quotes or passages handy. Have some inspirational quotes handy from which you can choose one appropriate for the day ahead. For example:
3. Have a little book of inspirational quotes or passages handy. Have some inspirational quotes handy from which you can choose one appropriate for the day ahead. For example:
"A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds." Francis Bacon
"In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins - not through strength, but through persistence." Buddha
Whose day wouldn't hold promise with a fresh, bold attitude to begin it?
4. Visualize a successful outcome for the day. Go over what you want to accomplish for the day and visualize it turning out well. Of course there are always little glitches to contend with, so see yourself dealing successfully with anything that may threaten to get in the way. Visualizing is a great way to anticipate what lies ahead and alerts you to any possibilities. Indeed, research has shown that both physical and psychological reactions in certain situations can be significantly improved with visualisation. An advantage indeed!
4. Visualize a successful outcome for the day. Go over what you want to accomplish for the day and visualize it turning out well. Of course there are always little glitches to contend with, so see yourself dealing successfully with anything that may threaten to get in the way. Visualizing is a great way to anticipate what lies ahead and alerts you to any possibilities. Indeed, research has shown that both physical and psychological reactions in certain situations can be significantly improved with visualisation. An advantage indeed!
5. Take a moment for gratitude. Acknowledge all the good things you have going for you – your health, your family, your opportunities and everything else going well in your life. When you appreciate what you have, somehow more good things find their way to you. Likewise, studies have shown that maintaining a sense of gratitude can help you sustain a more positive mood and sense of well being throughout the day.
6. Let go of any negative thoughts or grudges you may be harboring. Know that harboring ill feelings or negativity towards someone will only drag you down and prevent you from being at your best. Keeping your head clear will leave room for creativity and all the productive things you want to accomplish for the day.
Letting go and forgiving others is also good for your heart. A study from the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found forgiveness and letting go to be associated with a lower heart rate and blood pressure as well as relieving stress. Having a healthy heart and mind would certainly help anyone’s overall performance on a daily basis.
7. Come up with a personal positive affirmation to motivate you. Invent a slogan, or saying, that pertains to you and will inspi
re you to be at your best. It could be something like, "I endeavor to make a positive difference whenever I can," or, "Challenges help me grow". It has been shown that positive affirmations (realistic ones, of course) serve as a great tool to program your subconscious mind to help you perform well and have a productive mindset.
Letting go and forgiving others is also good for your heart. A study from the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found forgiveness and letting go to be associated with a lower heart rate and blood pressure as well as relieving stress. Having a healthy heart and mind would certainly help anyone’s overall performance on a daily basis.
7. Come up with a personal positive affirmation to motivate you. Invent a slogan, or saying, that pertains to you and will inspi
re you to be at your best. It could be something like, "I endeavor to make a positive difference whenever I can," or, "Challenges help me grow". It has been shown that positive affirmations (realistic ones, of course) serve as a great tool to program your subconscious mind to help you perform well and have a productive mindset.
As many athletes, performers, business people and politicians can attest to, there are many little techniques you can employ to help you rise to an occasion - in this case to positively kick start your day. So why not begin every day with these helpful little practices?
Successful people are very often early risers. From Franklin to Obama, from Branson to Darwin, all were known to rise with the morning sun. Whatever their motivations, they all reaped the benefits of putting their feet on the floor before the cock opened its beak.
“Mind over Mattress”
Robin Sharma
But why is rising early such a common trait? What is it about “Mind Over Mattress” that attracts so many famous and successful people to its clutches? Why do they drag their tired bodies to start the day super early when the rest of us are still dreaming?
The Winner’s Mindset
There is a sense of control acquired from beating the inner voice. If your mind wins the battle between victim and success, things start on a high note and usually only get better. Recognising the voice is your best defense against him. When the alarm goes off and the voice tells you that you went to bed far too late to get up this early, or that five more minutes won’t hurt, DON’T LISTEN! Those who stay in bed won’t be competition for the big guys, but they will have to watch out for you. When you are in charge of the inner voice, there will be no stopping you.
More Time
If you were to get up just one hour earlier each morning you would gain 15 days in a year. Scary when you put it like that. How many days of our lives do we waste sleeping? I don’t know about you, but I have too much I want to achieve to waste my life in this way. If you are time deficient, sleep less. We only need six to seven hours a night. Any more is wasting life.
Get Active
The morning is a great time to exercise. It sets you up for the day with energy, focus, and enthusiasm. Some mornings when I come back from my new habit of running, I feel invincible. Stress has to work a lot harder to get hold of me, and all my relationships are happier and calmer. Exercising in the morning will make you more productive and contribute to making you more successful.
Quiet Time
With three boys in my house, I rarely find quiet time. If I want to meditate or do something undisturbed, I do it early morning. Rising early gives me the time to fit it in. You could also use this time to write, paint, or do something else creative.
Find Your Muse
Many early risers cite increased creativity and inspiration in the morning hours. Great works of art and novels got written in the early hours of the day. So if you have a masterpiece waiting to unfold, maybe rising an hour earlier might unlock the secret.
Time for Food
Breakfast is an important meal that we often neglect due to time constraints. Rushing to work with a bagel isn’t going to give you the energy or focus required to kick ass. By taking more time in the morning, you have have a healthier meal, which will make you more productive and effective.
One Step Ahead
The early risers are one step ahead of the crowd: calm, collected, and accomplished when everyone else is rushing to the office. The early bird has it under control. When you wake up early, you have more time for planning, strategic thinking, and getting organised You will find you waste less time from being disorganised or making bad decisions. The added benefit of getting to the office first means fewer distractions from colleagues and getting done what you planned to get done.
So if you haven’t already created the habit of early rising, start tomorrow. Go to bed an hour earlier so that you won’t be too tired. It may take a couple of days to adjust and you may not feel the benefit straight away, but stick with it. Millions of super people can’t all be wrong.
Are you an early riser? If so do you have any tips for becoming one?
Try this every morning for a week... tell us how you feel?
Do you suffer with anxiety...? What helps you?
We'd like to know your thoughts...
