Stressed? Check out our top 5 Yoga Techniques!

Stressed? 

Does this image remind you of anyone? 

We all get stressed from time to time. It's how we react and deal with our stress which is the major concern. Do we make ourselves sick or injured, or do we acknowledge, slow down and change our habits? (sometimes, it's the illness or injury that kicks us up the butt and helps us realise we are stressed and need to change things!).

Here's our top 5 Yoga Techniques to help calm the mind and chill.

1) 5 minutes of stillness/meditation everyday! - Just 5 mins is all you need to help calm that scatty mind. When we meditate, or even sit in stillness, we tend to focus on only one thing instead of 10. This helps to lower stress levels and helps us to think clearly. 

2) Asanas - Try to do at least 2-3 Yoga classes per week. These classes can help to calm the distracted mind, release tension and can also help to improve insomnia. Practicing Asana can also help to lower blood pressure, strengthen, stretch and tone the body and improve fitness. Often you leave with a huge smile or 'blissed out' look on your face :) Don't forget, It's important to learn the basic technique from an instructor before you plan to practice Yoga Asana at home. 

3) BREATHE! Pranayama and focusing on our breathe has a tremendous effect on our mood and stress levels. Sit in a quiet space (you can do this as a form of meditation) and feel your breathe enter and exit through your body. Notice the rise and fall of your belly and your chest when you breathe. Try this everyday or when you're feeling a little stressed. 

4) Swadhyaya - Self Study. Studying Yoga philosophy and Yogic texts can help us to understand the mind and surrender. We can then ultimately let go and detach from all the DRAMA and the stuff that doesn't matter. 

5) Practice Gratitude - For a short moment each day, stop and acknowledge the things you are grateful for. This can make you feel all warm and nourished inside. Inspiration and enthusiasm can also stem from gratitude and you may even start that project, dream or goal you've been thinking about.

Ambika x

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