Want to Sleep, Work, and Live Better? Try Yoga
By Sandy Schroeder
Like many of us, you may be looking for a good night’s sleep and more calmness in your life. As we power through work and head home to work some more, yoga may be just what is needed to bring everything together.
HarvardHealth says yoga is more than just a workout. It combines posture, breathing practices, deep relaxation, strength- and balance-building, and meditation to mobilize the mind and the body.
What That Really Means
Get centered - Yoga may bring better body awareness, sounder sleep, weight loss and a fresh appreciation of life. When the mind and the body come together, everything may look and feel better. Work, family, and personal efforts all line up as stress lessens and energy and creativity expand. I began yoga when I was under a lot of pressure at work. That was some time ago. Yoga relieved the stress, and I moved on to a better job. Now, every Friday, I count on that same yoga boost to keep me centered.
Breathe deep and relax - Yoga’s abdominal breathing can replace those tense, shallow breaths that we all take when the pressure is on. While lying on your back, put your hands on your abdomen and slowly inhale. As you draw air into your lungs your belly should expand and rise. Then it will contract as you exhale. As you become comfortable with deep breathing you can use the technique standing or sitting wherever you are. When you are stressed, step away or close the door and breathe deeply to calm down and regroup.
Enjoy better sleep - If every morning is a struggle, a good night’s sleep may make a huge difference. One in four Americans get less than six hours of sleep every night, making the next day one more exhausting challenge. Loss of sleep often shows up in work performance, lack of exercise, and poor diets. Sleep deprivation can create a greater risk of stroke or heart attack, diabetes, and many kinds of cancer. Yoga may turn this around to help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
If yoga sounds like something that could work for you, give it a try. Check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise. Find a certified instructor and talk about your issues. Observe a class and consider trying a session. The rest may be amazing.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lawrenceville, Ga.