Use National Yoga Month to Ease Stress
By Brandi Goodman
September is National Yoga Month. This marks a great time to learn just how well the activity can work to reduce your stress levels. The fall season tends to see the start of increased stress for many people. Whether you're back at work regularly or attending school, the amount of tasks on your to-do list tends to build as fall arrives. Not to mention, the looming holiday season that will soon begin. Use National Yoga Month to ease your stress and help your mind and body stay feeling good.
Practice Deep Breathing
Part of the yoga experience includes deep breathing. Use the breathing techniques you learn as a way to focus your attention on something other than the stressful situation that's bothering you. Inhale for a few seconds and exhale for a few seconds, holding for a moment before taking a breath in. Really think about your breath and how calming it feels to let it in and out. It's so simple yet so effective. Even if you aren't doing yoga at the time, you can use these breathing techniques as a way to calm yourself in any situation.
Focus on Easy Yoga Poses
Don't try to overdo it with tough yoga poses you can never get. Especially as a beginner, you need to try to find easy yoga poses that you can get into with no problem. You'll only stress yourself out more if you fail to perform a tough pose. A child's pose is a great option. Sit on your knees and simply lean forward, reaching your arms out in front of you. This position can really help to relax your back and body and ease your mind.
Try It Before Bed
Stress can make it difficult to sleep. A lack of sleep can make you feel more stressed the next day. It can be a gruesome cycle. Try yoga before bed as a way to relax your mind and body and make it easier to drift off. The child's pose is great for this as well. It really helps you focus on breathing and helps quiet the rest of the world around you. Hold the pose for a good minute or two to really let it work its magic. You'll hopefully be able to rest easier afterward.
Stress can be kicked to the curb this September using yoga. Sure, you'll still experience stress in your life -- but knowing how to use yoga to combat those tense thoughts and feelings can be a huge help. You don't want to let stress get the best of you and keep you on high alert. Relax your mind and body with yoga anytime you're feeling overwhelmed.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pickerington, Ohio.