I’m excited to share that I’ll be rolling out a series of simple stress relief strategies over the next few weeks via email. We all know how life can get a bit overwhelming at times, so I thought it would be great to explore some easy ways to help us all manage that stress a little better.
On my journey as me, I had to learn some calming exercises, we have had our share of stressful circumstances, Ahem my children keep me on tiptoes.
I learned to create space within my day to pause and implement these many different techniques. Somedays these are planned into my day, others I just habit stack on with another routine task. For example when I go to pick up the kids, I also do 2 mins of box breathing and then a dance party with my bestie Pink. I will share more in depth on these and more! Take what works for you and ditch the rest.
If you are feeling it, apply one of these for a week and let me know your experience!
This week, I want to talk about 2 simple tools that have been game-changers for me: Yoga Nidra! 🧘♀️ & Sunshine ☀️
So, what’s Yoga Nidra? It’s often called “yogic sleep,” and it’s a guided meditation practice that lets you relax deeply while still being aware of your surroundings. Honestly, it’s been a lifesaver for me in so many situations. Whether I need a quick power nap to recharge, have trouble winding down at night, or find myself in a high-stress moment, Yoga Nidra has come to the rescue!
Health Benefits from my geeked out research.
Yoga nidra is a meditative practice that has been shown to have several positive effects on the body and mind, including:
Brain waves
When practicing yoga nidra, the brain transitions from beta waves to alpha waves, which links the conscious mind with the subconscious. Some areas of the brain also exhibit local sleep changes while the rest remain awake.
Stress and anxiety
Yoga nidra can help reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help with insomnia, as some people have reported falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer after practicing yoga nidra.
Mental health
Yoga nidra can help improve mental well-being by addressing maladaptive thought patterns and cognitive patterns associated with anxiety and depression.
Parasympathetic nervous system
Yoga nidra can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can positively affect stress-related parameters like cortisol levels and skin conductivity.
Emotional well-being
Yoga nidra can increase positive affect and decrease negative affect, which can impact the emotional components of well-being.
Yoga nidra is believed to be as old as yoga itself, with the first reference to it appearing in the Upanishads around 600 BCE.
There have been countless times when I felt completely overwhelmed, and just 20-30 minutes of this practice made me feel like a new person. It’s like hitting a refresh button for mind and body!
Now, while we’re on the topic of stress relief, I can’t forget to mention the magic of sunshine! ☀️ Getting outside and soaking up some rays has been such a simple yet effective way for me to boost my mood. Just a little time outdoors can help clear my head and lift my spirits, especially when I’m feeling stressed.
Geeking out benefits
What are the benefits of being in the sun?
There are plenty of good things the sun can do for you. Those big health benefits come from the visible light of the sun (the light we can see versus the more harmful UV light we can’t) and the vitamin D your body makes when your skin is exposed to the sun. Here are some benefits of sunlight for your health.
So, whether you take your lunch break outside, go for a quick walk, or just spend a few minutes in the sun, I highly recommend it. It’s amazing what a little fresh air and sunshine can do for your mindset!
If you’re curious to give Yoga Nidra a try, I highly recommend finding a cozy spot and checking out a guided session online, youtube or a meditation app have lots of options. There are some fantastic resources out there, and I’d be happy to share my favorites if you’re interested!
I truly believe that incorporating practices like Yoga Nidra and getting some sunshine into our routines can help us tackle stress more effectively and feel a lot better overall. I’m looking forward to exploring this journey together and sharing more tips in the weeks to come!
Let me know if you pick one to add to your day.
Take care, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or just want to chat about Yoga Nidra or the joys of sunshine!
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