This week, I went to three different grocery stores and several online shops looking for flour. I couldn’t find it. Flour, one of the most basic ingredients one can find in a pantry, is now being sold on the internet for upwards of $50 a bag.
Never in my life had I experienced food scarcity to this degree. Grocery stores are not properly stocked. Chrissy Teigen is outsourcing for romaine lettuce on Twitter. We’re encouraged to avoid going out in public at all, which has a lot of us rifling through our pantries for something appealing. In short, we are at a time of global crisis— and it is affecting how we eat. These feelings can be summed up to food insecurity, a term used to refer to the lack of access to adequate nutrition and the uncertainty of when you’ll have it next.
Even if you don’t acknowledge it, you may feel its effects. In a study run by Project EAT (Eating Among Teens), youths experiencing food insecurity were more likely to perceive that eating healthfully was inconvenient and that healthy food did not taste good. Food-insecure youths gravitated towards fast food and over-processed foods, as well as foods with a higher fat content.
To put it differently, in this time of need, our bodies gravitate towards putting on weight. With the stress of a potential food shortage, there is a gene within us that tells us eat more, in case this might be the last nourishment we have for a while. And even though it is quite unlikely we’ll experience a shortage of all food, the lizard part of your brain doesn’t know that. You may feel out of control, which is never a good feeling.
In yoga, we learn that much of the world’s problems can be solved by being mindful. Mindfulness means, in this case, slowing down, savoring moments, and living presently. Yes, you can eat (and cook) mindfully in times like these— and you’ll be shocked at how much better you feel. Here are a few tips for moving inward and eating mindfully when times get tough:
Work on feeling your best outside of food. Emotional eating affects many of us, especially in times of stress. To develop your best relationship with food, work on finding non-food-related coping mechanisms. Play with your pet, go for a walk— or take a yoga class ! When you manage your stress better, you’ll find that your relationship with food blossoms for the better. Whether it’s rediscovering your appetite or quitting binge eating, stress management is the ultimate solution.
Keep it fresh. The more fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs you incorporate into your diet, the healthier you will be. Not only are they more filling, but due to their natural simplicity your body digests them easier and thrives on their accessible nutrients and vitamins. While food insecurity might deter you from a produce-based diet, fruits and vegetables are some of the most abundant items you can find in your local grocery store. They’ll provide much-needed variety during this time, and add some lovely color to your dish.
Take a moment of gratitude before your meal. No matter how stressful this time is, sitting down for a meal is a moment to say thanks. Whether it’s for the food on your plate, the roof over your head, or the company you keep, you have something to be grateful for. Starting our meals with gratitude helps us savor them more, and infuse the moment with positivity.
Put down your phone and turn off the TV. Even nice meals are difficult to enjoy if you have Twitter feeding you news alerts while you eat. Take meal time as time for yourself and the people you share your space with. This was one of the first tips I got from a holistic healer when I talked about having stomach problems— and shockingly, it even worked for that. When your mind is fully aware that you are eating, it tells your body to kick into digestion mode. And, you’re more likely to feel satisfied or full if you are present during your meal.
Eat slowly. We all know someone (maybe even ourselves) who can finish dinner in under ten minutes. Because it takes around twenty minutes for your body to register fullness, that is far too quick to adequately tune in to your body’s signals. Beyond that, it doesn’t give you the time to truly relish and enjoy the flavors on your plate. You wouldn’t rush through a meal at a five-star restaurant, so don’t rush through your breakfast either. Take your time and enjoy the flavors— your body (and stomach) will thank you.
Remember these tips the next time you’re getting ready for a meal— and try them out! If you like them, keep them in your routine. And most importantly, remember we will get through this. Take note of the lovely things in the world, and eat your vegetables.
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{"slug":"eating-mindfully-in-crisis","recentPosts":[{"id":"cldebisqj8am10bk2riasiyyy","slug":"self-love-yoga-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event: Empower Yourself This Valentine’s Day","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Empower yourself this Valentine's Day with our Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event. Find inner peace and self-acceptance through yoga and meditation practices","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-27T09:24:55.671424+00:00","coverUrl":"rvpz4az7wyk8pdo4fvyg.png","content":{"text":"Announcing our free Self Love Event February 13-14!\\n\n\\nEmbrace yourself and practice self love this Valentine’s Day and every day with the help of MyYogaTeacher’s expert yoga teachers.\\n\\nYoga has been a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal growth for centuries, and self-love yoga is no exception. Unfortunately, many of us struggle with self-doubt, self-criticism, and negative self-talk. Self-love yoga can help to change that by promoting self-acceptance and self-compassion.\\nThis special yoga and meditation event\\n focuses on building self-acceptance, self-worth, and self-compassion through a combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices.\\nSelf-love is the foundation of all healthy relationships, including the relationship with ourselves. Without self-love, we cannot truly love and accept others!\\n\n\\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Self Love Event:\\n\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\n\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\\n\\n\\nNurturing Relationships Through Self Love \\n\\nMonday, February 13 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\n\\nSelf love isn’t selfish! It’s critical to creating deeper, more meaningful relationships and becoming the best version of yourself you can be! Join us in this discussion based self love class with a guided meditation and walk away prioritizing your health and happiness!\\n\n\\n\\nEmbrace Yourself: Balancing the Heart Chakra\\n\\nTuesday, February 14 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\\nReady to love yourself (and others) more and better? Need more compassion and kindness in your life? Join this yoga for self-love class designed to open your heart chakra and help you walk away feeling empowered to have more meaningful relationships and showing more love\n\\nThis special event will offer a unique opportunity to nurture yourself and discover the power of self-love. Don't miss out on this transformative experience. Sign up today and awaken your inner strength and self-love.\\nAnd don’t forget to check out other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\n\n\\n\\nAnnelise Piers\\n\\n\\nShika Sood\\n\\n\\nSwati Dalvi\\n\\n\\nAbhishek Bodhi\\n\\n\\nPreeti Goswami\\n\\n\\nRohan Shroff\\n\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Self Love Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["myYogaTeacher"]},{"id":"clczdmysytyzn0ak616x0ikhn","slug":"yoga-for-fitness-event","author":null,"title":"Join the Yoga Movement: Free MyYogaTeacher Yoga for Fitness Event for Everyone!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Join MyYogaTeacher's new free Yoga for Fitness Event starting soon and get fit faster with yoga!","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":["Fitness","HathaYoga","Ashtanga","Yoga","Vinyasa","Hatha"],"createdAt":"2023-01-16T22:27:36.746406+00:00","coverUrl":"fegu2jin0qfhgaefpml6.png","content":{"text":"Are you ready to get fit, flexible, and unleash your inner radiance?! Don’t miss our 3-day FREE Yoga for Fitness Event January 29-31!\\nYoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This event will feature a variety of yoga styles and levels to suit everyone from beginners to experienced yogis.\\nOur authentic, expert yoga instructors from India will guide you each day through sessions focused on improving your physical fitness and overall well-being. Plus, the even is completely free, so there’s no excuse not to come give it a try!\\nHow to join the Yoga for Fitness Event:\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\nDiscover all the best ways yoga can help you get fit fast. So you can live your life to the fullest and move with more ease.\\nWe've put together an entire schedule of yoga for fitness classes dedicated to helping you relax and sleep better.\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\\n\\n Hatha Yoga for Physical Fitness with Ankit\\n\\nSunday, January 29 at 6:00 am PST/ 9:00 am EST\\n\\n\\nHatha yoga is focused on the physical practice of yoga and is perfect for helping you build strength, get fit, and improve flexibility. Bonus? You’ll feel more relaxed and rejuvenated after this hatha yoga class! Join us for asanas, Sun Salutations, and other strength building poses!\\n\\nFind Fitness in Flow: Vinyasa Yoga with Monica\\n\\nMonday, January 30 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nReady to get fit while finding your flow? The fluid movement of this challenging vinyasa yoga class is perfect for building up a sweat, improving flexibility, and building strength, making it a perfect class for overall fitness! Join us!\\n\\nAshtanga Yoga for Increased Fitness with Sujit\\n\\nMonday, January 31 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nDo you like structure in your yoga class? Need a workout focused on building strength through muscle training? This is for you! Join the ashtanga yoga class designed to help you get fitter and stronger faster!\\nWhether you're looking to improve your physical fitness, reduce stress, or simply try something new, our free yoga for fitness event is the perfect opportunity. So come and join us, and discover the many benefits of yoga for yourself!\\nExperience getting fit in a way that works for you and \\nwith\\n you! We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check out other fitness related yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n\\n\\nShweta Jain\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nMonica Agarwal\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nArchana\\n \\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Fitness Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"clct2nkfx04xw0bk3fr4lrcjp","slug":"yoga-poses-for-osteoporosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis: Maintaining Bone Health","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga can prevent and in some cases reverse osteoporosis and osteopenia by stretching and strengthening muscle tissue to rebuild and maintain bone density.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn how to prevent osteoporosis with a few simple yoga poses.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-12T12:33:31.959847+00:00","coverUrl":"pmkhkhuxo5s9dq2qkevm.jpg","content":{"text":"Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis with Yoga\\n\n\\nIf you suffer from the painful symptoms of osteoporosis, or if you are at risk of developing this limiting disease, there is help (and health) in starting your own regular yoga routine. In fact, doctors are now prescribing yoga as treatment and prevention for osteoporosis and osteopenia, making it an important part of maintaining physical health and wellness throughout your 50s and 60s — and beyond.\\n\\nOsteoporosis and osteopenia are conditions that commonly emerge throughout our later years, and if left untreated they can affect your mobility, bone density, and even your ability to remain self-sufficient. These conditions cause bones to be come weak and brittle, and over time more vulnerable to fractures and even breakage. \\n\\nBut a recent\\n \\n2016 study\\n discovered that yoga can be used in conjunction with other treatments to prevent the loss of bone density and in some cases reverse early onset of osteoporosis. Plus, as an added benefit, yoga is also a low-cost and low-risk treatment option, meaning there is little to lose by giving it a try.\\n\\nHow Yoga Can Treat Osteoporosis\\nThe process by which yoga treats and prevents osteoporosis is simple — through stretching and strengthening your muscle tissue you can build bone density and prevent fractures. Yoga postures exert subtle force upon your bones, prompting them to build up density and become stronger.\\n\\nYoga also improves your balance, which can help prevent falls — which may result in fractures or breakage. Along with building strength and flexibility, yoga also increases your mobility, endurance, and energy levels, helping you stay active no matter your age.\\n\\nIt should be noted that yoga may not cure osteoporosis on its own, and for some advanced cases it may not be effective in reversing this disease. Results vary on an individual basis, depending on your age, bone density, and other factors such as weight and co-existing conditions\\n\\nPracticing Yoga for Osteoporosis\\nIf you’re thinking of starting your own yoga regimen to prevent or reverse osteoporosis, there are a few things you should know. It’s important to first consult your doctor before practicing yoga for osteoporosis or osteopenia, to find out if there are any specific precautions you should be taking and whether or not it’s a safe activity for you. \n\\nPatients with advanced osteoporosis who have suffered fractures, breaks, or acute bone loss may need to avoid practicing yoga. If you’ve recently undergone surgery or if you’re still healing from an injury, you should wait until you’ve fully recovered before getting started.\n\\nMost importantly, you should take care to listen to your body when practicing yoga for osteoporosis. If a particular yoga pose causes pain or strain on your bones or joints, stop for a moment and take a break. Or, try using a modification like a bolster, block, or yoga blanket if applicable.\\n\\nIn their 2016 study, scientists found that the best results for using yoga as treatment for osteoporosis came from regular practice. Try performing yoga poses at least 3-4 times per week, or daily if you can. The more regularly you practice, the more bone density you’ll build, and the more strength and balance you’ll develop in your body.\\n\\n8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis:\\nIf you’ve been cleared by your doctor to practice yoga and you’re ready to get started, there are some simple yoga poses you can do at home to help prevent osteoporosis. You can also try taking a yoga class specifically designed for patients with osteoporosis. Here at\\n \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n, certified instructors can help you stay safe and injury free while giving you the independence to practice yoga in the comfort of your home.\\nReady to get started? \\nFollow the steps below to begin your own personal yoga journey.\\n\\n1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)\\n\\nThe foundation of all balance poses, Mountain pose helps you find stability and improve your posture.\\nStart by standing at the front of your mat. Keep your feet hip distance apart, and you can rest your arms at your sides or bring your hands together in prayer formation. Inhale and feel your chest opening and your collar bones widening as you focus on balancing your weight proportionally on both of your feet. Gaze straight forward and maintain this pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n \\n2. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)\\n\\nFrom Mountain pose, you’ll begin to transition into Tree pose to further improve your balance and stability.\\nBring your awareness to your left foot and firmly ground it into the mat. Begin to shift your body weight to your left foot, while gently lifting your right foot. Depending on your ability to balance, you can place the sole of your right foot on your left calf or thigh. As you do this, be sure to keep your pelvis aligned, your spine straight, and your gaze focused forward. Give yourself a moment to steady yourself, and then, if you feel comfortable, press your hands together in prayer formation. Hold for 5-6 deep breaths and repeat on the other side, then return to Mountain pose.\\n \\n3. Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana 2)\\n\\nThis standing pose also improves your balance and builds strength in your legs and core. If you have trouble balancing and wish to modify this pose, try practicing it next to a wall or with a chair.\\nMove to the back portion of your mat and step your right foot forward. Your right toes should be pointed forward and your left (back) foot should be kept parallel with your mat. Bend your right knee at 90 degrees, taking care not to overextend. Your right knee should not move forward past your toes. With your hips evenly squared, stretch your arms out to both sides, so that your right arm extended out in front of you and your left arm behind you. Open your chest and focus on activating your legs so that you are grounded into your mat. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n4. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)\\n\\nThis pose also requires strength and balance, and can be modified by performing it next to a wall. You can also place a block next to your front foot for easier hand positioning. \\nJust like with Warrior II, step your right foot forward for Triangle pose, keeping your left (back) foot parallel with your mat. Inhale and stretch out both your arms the same as in Warrior II, but keep your right leg straight with a slight, soft bend in your knee. As you exhale, hinge at your hip and bend forward, placing your right fingertips on the floor, or you can place your hand on the block positioned next to your right foot. Turn your upper body and reach your left hand toward the ceiling, and either turn your head to gaze up at your hand, or keep your eyes focused straight ahead. Hold for 3-5 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n5. Cat-Cow Pose (Chakravakasana)\\n\\nThis pose is excellent for increasing mobility in your spine and hips.\\nMove to a tabletop position on your mat, with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your back. Feel the stretch in your chest and abdomen. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n \\n6. Locust Pose (Shalabhasana)\\n\\nLike Cat-Cow, Locust improves your spinal mobility with a soft backbend, but in this pose you will also be working your core muscles, glutes, and shoulders.\\nFrom Cat-Cow, lower yourself onto the mat so that you are lying face down on your stomach with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides. On your inhale, strengthen your core and lift your head, legs and arms at the same time, balancing your body on your lower abdomen, pelvis and upper legs. Engage your glutes and press both of your legs together while holding them up. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths, and then relax back onto your mat.\\n \\n7. Child’s Pose (Balasana)\\n\\nAfter the strengthening work of Locust pose, give your body a rest with Child’s pose\\nAfter Locust you’ve likely returned to lying face down on your mat. Press your palms and knees into the floor as if you were rising back into tabletop position, but this time bring your hips back so that your buttocks are resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Extend your arms forward so that your palms are resting on the mat in front of you, and bring your forehead to the mat. Breathe gently and allow your body to fully sink into this pose, supported by the floor. Hold for 5-6 minutes.\\n \\n8. Corpse Pose (Savasana)\\n\\nAfter practicing the above stretching and strengthening poses, it’s important to let your body fully digest the movement by resting in Corpse pose. \\nCome to a seated position on your mat. Slowly lower your body to the floor, so that you are lying flat on your back with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides, palms facing up. Close your eyes and bring your focus inward. Bring your awareness to your body and check in with each and every body part, noticing if you feel any tension and allowing yourself to fully relax. Soften your face, neck, and shoulders, and let yourself melt into your mat while visualizing any tension leaving your body. Rest in this post for 5-7 minutes."},"category":["pain_management"]},{"id":"clct29qar2mln09k7b9xhmih5","slug":"8-yoga-poses-for-psoas-pain-relief","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"8 Yoga Poses for Psoas Pain Relief","subTitle":"Learn yoga poses that target your psoas muscle to relieve pain.","seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"By practicing a few specific yoga poses, you can directly stretch the psoas and surrounding areas, relieving tension, pain, and stiffness\n","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-12T12:22:46.336259+00:00","coverUrl":"fitbgltpzxzyqblmzhjg.jpg","content":{"text":"Possibly the most integral muscle group in your entire body, the psoas governs the central functioning of your core. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to move properly, walk, stand, or do much of anything, because the muscles in this group also attach your legs to your spine.\\n\\nIssues with your psoas can be deeply painful, and it’s a difficult area to massage. The psoas major, psoas minor, and iliacus combined make up your iliopsoas, commonly referred as simply the psoas. And when the psoas is unhappy, it can cause symptoms with a range of severity, from slightly uncomfortable to totally debilitating, like difficulty walking or standing upright, lower back pain, and pelvic pain. \n\\nAthletic injuries, prolonged periods of sitting and surgery can affect the health of your psoas, and if you’re experiencing a tight and shortened psoas, it’s likely you’re also suffering from weakness and pain. You can relieve your symptoms and fully recover from psoas issues by stretching and strengthening this important muscle group with yoga. \n\\nHow to Relieve Psoas Pain\\n\\nPsoas pain can affect the entire structure of your body, causing adjoining muscles to become overworked and your posture to become off-kilter, leading to widespread chronic pain. Yoga can help correct issues with your psoas and get you back to feeling balanced again. By practicing a few specific yoga poses, you can directly stretch the psoas and surrounding areas, relieving tension, pain, and stiffness.\\n\\nIt’s important to also strengthen the psoas to enable your body to function properly. A weak psoas can put enormous strain on your surrounding muscles and joints, and a strong core is essential for your physical health. By lengthening and strengthening your psoas at the same time, you can correct issues and reduce pain.\n\\nIf you’re suffering from a tight or weak psoas, try practicing the yoga poses below on a regular basis to start the healing process.\n\\n8 Yoga Poses for Psoas Pain Relief\\n\n\\n1. Low Lunge Pose\\n\\nLow Lunge is an easy pose to start lengthening your psoas muscles, and you can adjust this position to stretch as deeply as you feel comfortable.\\nFrom a kneeling position, start by bringing your left foot forward and bending your left leg at the knee. Inhale while reaching your arms over your head, keeping them parallel with the sides of your head. Allow your chest to expand and lengthen your spine. Remember to keep your chin level and your gaze focused straight ahead. Repeat on the other side.\\n \\n2. Tree Pose\\n\\nTree pose strengthens and stretches your psoas muscles by isolating the area building strength through balance.\\nStand in Mountain pose and place your feet hip distance apart, arms relaxed at your sides. Gently shift your body weight to your left foot and bending your right knee, lifting it upward. Place the sole of your right foot on the inside of your left thigh. Keep your spine and head straight, with your gaze facing forward. Give yourself a moment to steady your balance, bring your hands together in Namaste formation. Hold for 5-6 deep breaths.\\n \\n3. Boat Pose\\n\\nOne of the best asanas for your core, Boat pose strengthens your abdominal muscles for better balance and posture.\\nStart by sitting with your legs stretched out in front of you and your arms at your sides. Lean back slightly so that your weight is evenly balanced. Inhale, engage your core, and exhale as you lift both your legs to a 45 degree angle, and extend your arms straight out alongside your legs. If this pose feels too difficult, try bending your knees and bringing your hands behind your knees for support. Keep your spine long and your core engaged as you hold this pose for 30-45 seconds.\\n \\n4. Knee-To-Chest Pose\\n\\nWhen your psoas is in pain and walking or standing upright feels difficult, Knee-To-Chest pose offers a supine stretch that can relieve your symptoms.\\nLie down flat on your back with your arms at your sides. Inhale, and then as you exhale, bring your right knee to your chest. Thoughtfully extend and stretch your left leg until you feel the tension begin to release from your abs and inside your hip. As you hug your knee to your chest, remember to breathe and focus on allowing your core to fully relax. Hold for 30-60 seconds and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n5. Dancer’s Pose\\n\\nLike Tree pose, Dancer’s pose works to strengthen your psoas through balance, with a deep stretch that lengthens all of the muscles in the front side of your torso. \\nStand in the middle of your mat with your weight evenly balanced on both feet. Transfer your weight onto your left foot while bending your right knee and grabbing your right foot with your right hand. Lift your left arm up toward the ceiling. Bend at your waist and slowly lean forward, lifting your right leg and engaging your core. You can deepen the stretch by creating some resistance — simply push outward with your right foot while pulling in with your right hand. For better balance, focus your gaze on a fixed point in front of you. Hold for 3-5 breaths, then repeat on the other side.\\n \\n6. Supported Bridge Pose\\n\\nSupported Bridge pose uses a yoga block to both support your weight and lengthen the muscles in your core and inside your hips.\\nStart by lying on your back with your knees bent and a yoga block placed nearby. On your next exhale, tuck your chin and lift your hips, being careful not to allow your knees to splay outward. Take your yoga block and place underneath your lower back, supporting your weight and providing a deep stretch to the frontside of your pelvis. Stay in the pose for 30-60 seconds.\\n \\n7. Reclining Hero’s Pose\\n\\nBy modifying Hero’s pose to a reclining position, you can gently lengthen your psoas and stretch your quad muscles.\\nKneel on your yoga mat and rest your buttocks on the backs of your heels. Sit with your spine straight and inhale, and as you exhale, begin to gently lower your torso to the floor. You can move slowly, lowering yourself onto your back one vertebrae at a time. Rest your hands on your chest or reach your arms above your head to increase the stretch. Once your are resting on your back, you can also bring your focus to your hips and allow them to rise slightly upward for a greater stretch in your psoas minor.\\n \\n8. Cobra Pose\\n\\nCobra pose lengthens your abdominal muscles and releases tension in your lower back.\\nLie on your stomach with your legs extended, arms folded under your head and your chin resting on your forearms. Place your hands at the level of your chest and press down with your hands. Slightly lift your head off the mat, keeping your head and back aligned, and press your thighs together. Now, steadily pull your elbows towards your ribs and align your hands and shoulders. On a deep inhale, press your hands into the mat, curl your shoulders backward, and lift your upper body off the mat. Make sure to gaze upward and press your hips into the mat to target your psoas. Hold this position for a few breaths and then rest."},"category":[]},{"id":"clckc2txxldwd0ajx6v2ewnfg","slug":"everyday-selfcare-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s Free Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Daily self-care yoga event for relaxation and rejuvenation. All levels welcome. Come find your inner peace and leave feeling ready to tackle the day ahead","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-06T09:47:25.040388+00:00","coverUrl":"sqksdkhom5g0uivl5z2l.png","content":{"text":"Ready to make time and take time for YOU in the New Year? This 2-day event on January 16-17 makes it easier than ever to start and keep a self care routine going.\\nAnd, of course, you’re invited!\\n\\nAlmost everyone is guilty of not putting themselves first most of the time. \\nBut did you know that research shows that self care reduces heart disease, stroke, and cancer? Not to mention that people who have a consistent \\nself care routine\\n are 67% more productive, 71% happier, and 64% more self-confident than those who don’t! \\nThe impacts of a yoga for self care routine are nothing but positive. And there is nothing standing in your way of creating one with MyYogaTeacher’s free event. Imagine how much better you’ll feel and how much more productive you’d be if you just took some time for yourself everyday. Your routine doesn’t have to be time consuming. Even 30 minutes of yoga for self care may make all the difference in your life! \\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we understand creating a self care routine may seem unobtainable at first. That’s why we created this event!\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event:\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\n\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\n\\nWe've put together a schedule of yoga sessions designed specifically to get you started on your self care journey.\\n\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\n\\n\\nYoga Breathwork: Relaxation and Self Care with Archana\\n\\nTuesday, January 17 at 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\n\\nDo you make time for selfcare? Meditation and yogic breathing are excellent forms of selfcare that you can do almost anywhere or any time! Join us for this relaxing class focused on breathing, meditation, and gentle stretching. Discover how easy it is to take time for you!\\n\n\\n\\nYoga for Self Care: An Everyday Practice with Archana\\n\\nMonday, January 16 at 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\n\\nDo you struggle to make time for self-care? You’re not alone! This beautiful yoga session is designed to help you learn asanas and stretches that you can do every day specifically as a self-care practice. Join us for self-care through yoga!\\n\n\\nWe offer these events so you have the tools and guidance to live in harmony with your inner self, outer self, and the world. So you can move in the world with peace and good health. And so you can be less stressed, more productive, and more \\npresent\\n.\\n\\nExperience the peace that comes from yoga and explore all the tools our expert yoga instructors offer to help you start and maintain a consistent self care routine. We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\n\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Many are perfect for continuing your self care routine long after this event is over. Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n- Ankit Bhatnagari\\n- Abhishek Bodhi\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["yoga"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"cl8ydkwnvhu6s0aheyrlyqlrv","slug":"how-to-practice-yoga-at-home","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga at Home : 10 ways to start your home yoga practice","createdAt":"2022-10-07T10:59:25.142855+00:00","coverUrl":"ajwcgjkkcaeg1mp3bb9p.jpg","content":{"text":"How to get Started:\\nAre you ready to commit to an at home yoga practice? No matter what your reasons for deciding to start an at home practice, \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n has you covered! We will help you begin your journey from beginner to advanced yogi, all without having to leave the comfort of your own home.\\n1. Set up your yoga space\\nWhen you decide to start an at home practice you want to create a space that inspires movement. Since you’ll be coming to your Zen space often, this should be a spot in your home that promotes joy, comfort and peace.\n\\nWhat you need\\nStart with a quiet space. You don’t want to be in a space where you can hear traffic, noise or your family bickering. Find a space where you’re away from noise. If you can’t find a place that’s quiet, invest in headphones for your practice.\\nPlay some music! Grab a small speaker or headphones and find your tunes. There are tons of great yoga playlist available. Find one that inspires you!\\nVisual aids Images or quotes that motivate you. You can put these up or even make a vision board which will help with intentions when you’re read to set them!\\nYourself! The most important thing you’ll need is you! Come as you are to your space. Thank yourself for showing up and have some grace as you begin your journey.\\n2. Get your gear\\nTo begin a yoga practice at home, there are a few things you’ll need to bring to your physical space. If you’re a yogi on a budget, no worries! We’ll provide you with a swap you already have at home!\\nA Mat or towel : Normally for yoga, we use a mat for our practice. If you don’t have one, you can use a towel or two. Just make sure it’s thick and doesn’t slip too much!\\nA bolster or small pillow and blanket: If you’re interested in a relaxation or deep stretch practice, these are essential. A small couch pillow can take the place of a bolster and any blanket will suffice.\\nBlocks or books: Sometimes we use blocks in our practice to help deepen a pose or get us closer in our pose. You can also use a chapter book in place of a block!\\nWith these swaps there’s no excuse to wait till you can purchase props to get started! You have everything you need already!\\n \\n3. Find your Why\\nWhy do you want to build an at home yoga practice?\\nWhat are your goals? Before you get started, sit down and think about your “why”. Be intentional about why you’re on this journey. Our online classes can be a great addition to your at home practice! \\nYou can grab a free trial and get started with us today! \\n\\n Do you want to get stronger?\\n \\nTry a power\\n or\\n \\nvinyasa practice.\\n\\nAre you looking to find more ways to relax?\\n \\nTry a restorative\\n or\\n \\nyin practice.\\n \\n \\nTrying to lose weight?\\n \\nTry our mindful weight loss class.\\n\\n \\n4.Find Your Style\\nWhat type of Yoga is right for you?\\nLet’s break down some of the most popular styles so you can find the right fit for your home practice!\\nVinyasa\\nA vinyasa practice is meant to build strength in your body and mind. Typically, we move with our breath in a vinyasa class. One breath per movement. This flow class is good for building strength.\n\\nHatha\\nGetting back into a fitness routine? Hatha is great for building into an existing or newly revamped fitness routine. This style is meant to improve overall health and fitness as well as build a mind-body connection.\n\\nAshtanga\\nAn Ashtanga practice is for toning up. This practice helps you to build strength and flexibility. This practice is better for intermediate or advanced students as it uses a lot of upper body and core strength.\n\\nYin Yoga\\nLooking to relax? Yin is meant to relax the body and help alleviate any pain or tension in the body. This style is great for recovery for athletes or those rehabbing an injury!\n\n\\nNow you’re ready to practice:\n\\n5. Begin your journey\\n· Rule of 5’s – Stick to your goals by practicing the rule of 5’s. Five minutes, Five poses, Five deep breaths(slow inhales and exhales) . This is a great way to get started! Slow and steady wins the race and you can ease into your journey with just five minutes at a time!\\n· Poses for beginners – Five poses to get you started! These poses are great for everyone beginner through advanced.\\n\\n- Mountain Pose\\n\\n\\n\\n- Forward Fold Pose\n\\n\\n\\n- Downward Facing Dog Pose\\n\\n\\n\\n- Pigeon Pose\\n\\n\\n\\n- Child Pose\\n\\n\\n\\n6. Set an Intention\\nThis is your guiding force. It can change with each practice or always be the same. Pick a mantra or an intention. Let it drive you. Let it help you find your focus\\n \\n7. Find your breath\\nBegin a prana practice! There are lots of different types of breath practices. Find one that helps you find balance and try to add it into your practice.\\nRead more about them in\\n \\nthis article\\n from our website!\\n\\n8.\\n \\nCommit to a schedule\\nFitting yoga into your life should be easy. Take some time to think about your goals.\\nHow much time do you want to commit to your practice daily or weekly?\\nSet a goal to do yoga a certain number of days per week. Remember to make your goal attainable. It can always be adjusted. Yoga is a practice, not a perfect. There are no wrong answers in yoga. Any time you make to move your body is an achievement.\\n \\n9. Enhance your home practice\\nStill building your Zen space? Here are some things to add to your space to create an atmosphere you can really relax in!\\nEssential Oils- Grab a few of your favorite oils and a diffuser so your space’s aroma puts you in the right state of mind to move.\\nJournaling- Sometimes the only way to get out of our heads is to put a pen to paper. If your mind is too busy while you practice, try to journal before. Get a notebook and special pen you can keep in you Zen den!\\nBuilding a meditation practice- Extend your yoga practice by building a meditation practice to add on before or after your flow. This can help you emerge from your space more calm, cool and collected.\\n \\n10.\\n \\nFind your community\\nHow to begin an at home practice with us at MyYogaTeacher. \\n\\nJoin our free trial\\n: You’ll get two FREE weeks of unlimited group classes and two free 1-on-1 sessions. \\nHave a plan! Our expert yoga teachers will help customize a plan that’s perfect for you! \\nTake classes & build your practice every day! \\nNow that you have the tools and information, you’re ready to go! Make a plan and get started! Your body will thank you!"}},{"id":"ckjzsnznc20t50a348322km3t","slug":"yoga-back-pain-relief","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"6 Ways Yoga Provides Natural Back Pain Relief","createdAt":"2021-01-16T14:16:50.985153+00:00","coverUrl":"pexels-cliff-booth-4056723.jpg","content":{"text":"If you’ve ever experienced any sort of back pain, you’ll know exactly how debilitating it can be. After all, your back and all its parts are what keeps all the rest of your body parts moving.\\n\\nWhether it’s from an injury, osteoporosis, \\narthritis\\n, muscle atrophy, job related, or due to poor core strength, back pain is...well, a pain.\\n\\nRelief from that sort of pain can be hard to come by and may require multiple types of treatment options.\\n\\nYoga for back pain is almost certainly a safe and good one. \\n\\nRestorative and recovery yoga poses can help alleviate ongoing back pain without you ever leaving your house (or spending any money).\\n\\nLet’s talk about how yoga can provide natural, safe pain relief.\\n\\n1. Yoga is mind-body therapy\\n\\nYoga isn’t just physical. It’s also mental. \\n\\nYoga movements are designed to bring harmony to your inner and outer self. By using your breath and moving through recovery yoga asanas, you will naturally release tension from many areas of your body, including your back. Those muscles will relax. And you will experience less pain.\\n\\nLess pain equals less stress because of the pain.\\n\\nAnd less stress creates an even more meditative, relaxed state. It’s like a circle where all the parts of your yoga practice work together for a common goal.\\n\\nPracticing yoga for back pain even a few minutes a day will create body awareness and help you notice where you’re holding tension that might be contributing to your discomfort.\\n\\n2. Tight hamstrings contribute to back pain\\n\\nYour legs may not be the first thing you think of being the cause of your pain, but often they are a big contributor to it. \\n\\nTightness in your hamstrings creates increased stress on your lower back and can lead to sciatica and lower back pain. Your hamstring muscles are attached from your hips, down the back of each thigh and stop behind your kneecaps.\\n\\nYoga is an excellent way to cure back pain that is a result of tight hamstrings!\\n\\nIf you sit for long periods of time or are primarily sedentary, your hamstrings are probably pretty tense and would benefit from a consistent yoga practice.\\n\\n3. A stronger core is key to back pain relief\\n\\nWe know you’ve heard it before, but we’re saying it again. Strong abdominal muscles are imperative to back health.\\n\\nThere’s a reason core strength is a part of almost any exercise regimen you hear or read about.\\n\\nWeak core muscles mean your back and spine are doing all the heavy lifting to keep your body upright. Over time, this puts a ton of undue stress on your back causing...you guessed it. Back pain. Or even i\\nnjury\\n.\\n\\nThe good news is yoga isn’t just about stretching. It’s about strengthening and toning. As a matter of fact, increasing core strength is an integral part of almost any yoga class. \\n\\nYou don’t have to do an endless number of monotonous crunches to develop excellent core strength.\\n\\nYoga combines poses and breathwork that require you to use your core muscles consistently throughout the flows.\\n\\n4. Sleep better, hurt less\\n\\nHave you ever done a nice calming yoga practice before bed? If you have, you’ll understand why we believe a yoga for back pain session will help you sleep better.\\n\\nWhen you sleep, your brain and body recover from the stress and tension of the day. That’s kind of the point. But if you’re in pain, it’s hard to sleep. And if you’re not sleeping well, your body (and back) aren’t healing.\\n\\nIt’s a vicious cycle.\\n\\nWe encourage you to seek out a nice, calm, meditative yin yoga practice with a focus on relieving back pain and make it a part of your nightly routine. \\n\\n5. Yoga releases endorphins\\n\\nIf you’re not familiar with endorphins, they are the feel good chemicals that are released into your body when you exercise, get excited about something, or eat something yummy!\\n\\nEndorphins have also been shown to block pain signals from entering your brain. They help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can contribute to back pain. So it makes sense that doing things that release this important hormone as much as possible will benefit you.\\n\\nYoga is one of those things. There is nothing like finishing your yoga practice in corpse pose and experiencing that natural and safe high that comes from the release of all the tension in your body.\\n\\nNot to mention, yoga is probably THE safest and most natural way to relieve back pain. \\n\\n6. Happiness is a pain killer\\n\\nHave you ever noticed when you’re happy, you don’t notice pain as much? That’s because your pain levels are probably lower.\\n\\nBeing unhappy affects your mental, physical, and (obviously) emotional health. Relationships, immunity, gut health, pain levels. Unhappiness makes focusing on tasks and making good decisions harder.\\n\\nIt just wreaks havoc on your life.\\n\\nAny kind of physical pain detracts from you happiness. We’ve already discussed how stretching, toning, meditating, and sleeping reduce stress on your back and body, and provides pain relief. Which, in turn, will make you happier.\\n\\nHowever, a consistent regular yoga practice is just...well, fun. It’s an activity that just feels good. \\n\\nDoing activities that make you happy are, themselves, helpful for pain relief!\\n\\n\\nThis isn’t an exhaustive list of how yoga cures back pain. It’s just the beginning! Yoga is safe for all ages, all fitness levels and can be practiced almost anywhere you feel comfortable. And while it’s not a cure all for every ache, pain, or injury you may have, it certainly is an excellent way to help you feel better fast.\\n\\nAre you looking for the perfect yoga class to ease your back pain? Free yourself from discomfort with myYogaTeacher’s experienced yoga instructors. They have a long history of success! You can \\nget your free trial here!\\n No credit card required!\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n"}},{"id":"cl7g7jip0fjcv0eim6def65cy","slug":"yoga-nidra-for-sleep","author":{"name":"Shilpi","teacherMytSlug":"shilpi-1","pictureUrl":"shilpi4.jpg"},"title":"Yoga Nidra for Sleep","createdAt":"2022-08-30T13:10:49.183409+00:00","coverUrl":"p9x3cqj0uai5aewn58s9.jpg","content":{"text":"Take Charge of Your Sleep Cycle with this Meditation Practice\\nNot sleeping very well? If you’re having trouble with your sleep cycle, you’re not alone.\\n \\nOver 35 percent of Americans\\n get less than seven hours of sleep a night, less than the minimum needed for good health. \\nThere are many causes of sleep disorders which vary based on all kinds of factors — including age, health, and even geographical location. And let’s face it, modern day life is full of stressors that give us lots of reasons to lie awake at night. However, sleep deprivation can negatively affect your health in ways that may actually\\n \\nreduce your life expectancy\\n. It can be a serious health issue if left unaddressed.\\nThankfully, there’s a yogic medicine that can help alleviate sleeplessness and restore your nightly cycle. First introduced by Swami Satyananda Saraswati in 1976, Yoga Nidra can help you relax your mind and body, which in turn allows you to sleep better overall.\\nYoga Nidra for Sleep\\nYoga Nidra, otherwise known as the “yoga of sleep,” is a meditation practice that utilizes that transitional state between sleeping and waking to induce deep relaxation. This state opens up your conscious awareness and connection with yourself.\\nTo enable the most relaxation possible, Yoga Nidra is practiced as a guided meditation. Anyone can practice Yoga Nidra regardless of your ability or experience level. Beginners are welcome in the practice, as well as people who have never meditated or performed yoga before. Yoga Nidra is one of the easiest and most approachable meditations you can try and it’s incredibly good for you.\\nYou can use Yoga Nidra to simply wind down and get ready for bed in the evening, as a tool to decrease stress and anxiety, or to heal trauma. There is no risk in trying it, and you may be surprised at how well Yoga Nidra can restore nervous system functioning and get you sleeping the recommended 7 to 9 hours every night.\\n\\nBenefits of Yoga Nidra\\nOther than getting your sleep cycle back on track, Yoga Nidra has numerous other benefits that impact your health and day-to-day life. Even though this Sanskrit name translates to “yoga for sleep,” it can impact your well-being in a variety of ways. \\n\\nStudies show\\n that meditation reduces symptoms of anxiety and stress, and Yoga Nidra is uniquely effective in decreasing anxiety and increasing your quality of life. If you suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety, or high blood pressure, this meditation can help you find tranquility and boost your sense of well-being.\\nYoga Nidra also stimulates your pineal gland and helps balance your hormones, giving your body the tools it needs to heal itself. Practicing Yoga Nidra regulates your nervous system, which in turn helps calm your body and mind, so that you can sleep soundly and restful\\nSome of the benefits of Yoga Nidra include:\\nImproves sleep\\nEases symptoms of trauma and PTSD\\nReduces stress and anxiety\\nIncreases relaxation\\nReduces depression and addiction\\nCalms the mind\\nIncreases breathing capacity\\nYoga Nidra Meditation\\nSo, how does Yoga Nidra work? It’s often performed as a guided meditation so you can allow yourself to relax as deeply as possible. You can find Yoga Nidra scripts and audio recordings online, or you can try enrolling in a Yoga Nidra class at\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n. It is a meditation that can be practiced at home where you feel most comfortable. \\nYoga Nidra focuses on helping you achieve a delicate state that is neither awake or asleep. This focus is what makes it different from other types of meditation, because you’re trying to reach a state of relaxation that is much deeper than most. In technical terms, Yoga Nidra involves tapping into the delta state of consciousness, whereas most other meditations focus on the theta state — which is a more alert, focused state.\\n\\nHow to Practice Yoga Nidra\\nWhile it’s intended to help you reach a delta state of consciousness, Yoga Nidra can actually make you fall completely asleep, so you can choose to practice this meditation from your very own bed — however, to get the full benefits of this meditation, it’s recommended that you try and maintain that state between waking and sleeping — without falling asleep. The best place to practice Yoga Nidra is on a yoga mat with an eye pillow and a blanket.\\nTypically, a Yoga Nidra script is read by a certified instructor or you can listen to this meditation by downloading it online. If you don’t have an audible script available, you can guide yourself through the process of Yoga Nidra. It’s easy for anyone to try and there is no wrong way to practice.\\nYou can begin each session with an intention for yourself, or a goal of what you’d like to get out of your practice. Make sure you’re in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed, lying down on your back on your yoga mat or anywhere else you feel comfortable. Use your eye pillow to block out the light and help your face relax, and a blanket to remain comfortable, since your body may cool down. \\nGently close your eyes and allow yourself to breath easily and steadily. Let your entire body relax into the mat. Turn your awareness to your head and your neck, and allow the muscles in your face, neck, and shoulders to completely relax. Continue to move your attention down the length of your body — to your torso, arms, hips, back, legs, and feet — helping each body part fully relax with your awareness. \\nOnce your entire body is deeply relaxed, allow yourself to remain in this state for as long as you feel comfortable. If you’re new to practicing Yoga Nidra, you may want to start with a short session — anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. As you get more experience, you can lengthen your sessions as you see fit.\\n\\nOnline Yoga for Sleep\\nYoga Nidra often works best if you practice some light yoga asanas before your meditation. In fact, you can try a complete yoga routine to help you sleep by enrolling in an\\n \\nonline class to ease stress and anxiety\\n. Performing easy yoga postures before your Yoga Nidra meditation will help your body relax more fully and allow you to get the maximum benefits from your practice. \\nIf you’ve never tried yoga postures or Yoga Nidra before, you can start by\\n \\nsigning up for a free, two-week trial\\n of MyYogaTeacher. With access to yoga classes online, you can set up a new routine of nightly yoga to help you fall asleep. There are live, group classes available, or you can schedule a private session with a certified instructor who can tailor a session to your Yoga Nidra meditation. \\nYou can get back to sleeping peacefully every night with a regular practice of Yoga Nidra. This meditation works best over time, and with a regular routine you can reduce sleeplessness and get the recommended hours of rest every night — which will improve your day-to-day life immeasurably. "}}],"relatedPosts":[],"blogContent":{"id":"ckfqzb2ug024w0126mcg6v2g9","slug":"eating-mindfully-in-crisis","author":{"name":"Jitendra","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png"},"title":"Eating Mindfully in Crisis","createdAt":"2020-03-30T00:00:00+00:00","updatedAt":"2021-06-26T22:03:16.360701+00:00","coverUrl":"Social-post-04.png","seoDescription":"The way we eat also shows the way we feel internally. Practicing yoga helps us become more mindful and can help improve our relationship with food.","content":{"text":"This week, I went to three different grocery stores and several online shops looking for flour. I couldn’t find it. Flour, one of the most basic ingredients one can find in a pantry, is now being sold on the internet for upwards of $50 a bag. \\n\\nNever in my life had I experienced food scarcity to this degree. Grocery stores are not properly stocked. Chrissy Teigen is outsourcing for romaine lettuce on Twitter. We’re encouraged to avoid going out in public at all, which has a lot of us rifling through our pantries for something appealing. In short, we are at a time of global crisis— and it is affecting how we eat. These feelings can be summed up to food insecurity, a term used to refer to the lack of access to adequate nutrition and the uncertainty of when you’ll have it next.\\n\\nEven if you don’t acknowledge it, you may feel its effects. In a study run by Project EAT (Eating Among Teens), youths experiencing food insecurity were more likely to perceive that eating healthfully was inconvenient and that healthy food did not taste good. Food-insecure youths gravitated towards fast food and over-processed foods, as well as foods with a higher fat content. \\n\\nTo put it differently, in this time of need, our bodies gravitate towards putting on weight. With the stress of a potential food shortage, there is a gene within us that tells us eat more, in case this might be the last nourishment we have for a while. And even though it is quite unlikely we’ll experience a shortage of all food, the lizard part of your brain doesn’t know that. You may feel out of control, which is never a good feeling.\\n\\nIn \\nyoga\\n, we learn that much of the world’s problems can be solved by being mindful. Mindfulness means, in this case, slowing down, savoring moments, and living presently. Yes, you can eat (and cook) mindfully in times like these— and you’ll be shocked at how much better you feel. Here are a few tips for moving inward and eating mindfully when times get tough:\\n\\nWork on feeling your best outside of food. Emotional eating affects many of us, especially in times of stress. To develop your best relationship with food, work on finding non-food-related coping mechanisms. Play with your pet, go for a walk— or take a \\nyoga class\\n! When you manage your stress better, you’ll find that your relationship with food blossoms for the better. Whether it’s rediscovering your appetite or quitting binge eating, stress management is the ultimate solution. \\n\\nKeep it fresh. The more fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs you incorporate into your diet, the healthier you will be. Not only are they more filling, but due to their natural simplicity your body digests them easier and thrives on their accessible nutrients and vitamins. While food insecurity might deter you from a produce-based diet, fruits and vegetables are some of the most abundant items you can find in your local grocery store. They’ll provide much-needed variety during this time, and add some lovely color to your dish. \\n\\nTake a moment of gratitude before your meal. No matter how stressful this time is, sitting down for a meal is a moment to say thanks. Whether it’s for the food on your plate, the roof over your head, or the company you keep, you have something to be grateful for. Starting our meals with gratitude helps us savor them more, and infuse the moment with positivity.\\n\\nPut down your phone and turn off the TV. Even nice meals are difficult to enjoy if you have Twitter feeding you news alerts while you eat. Take meal time as time for yourself and the people you share your space with. This was one of the first tips I got from a holistic healer when I talked about having stomach problems— and shockingly, it even worked for that. When your mind is fully aware that you are eating, it tells your body to kick into digestion mode. And, you’re more likely to feel satisfied or full if you are present during your meal.\\n\\nEat slowly. We all know someone (maybe even ourselves) who can finish dinner in under ten minutes. Because it takes around twenty minutes for your body to register fullness, that is far too quick to adequately tune in to your body’s signals. Beyond that, it doesn’t give you the time to truly relish and enjoy the flavors on your plate. You wouldn’t rush through a meal at a five-star restaurant, so don’t rush through your breakfast either. Take your time and enjoy the flavors— your body (and stomach) will thank you.\\n\\nRemember these tips the next time you’re getting ready for a meal— and try them out! If you like them, keep them in your routine. And most importantly, remember we will get through this. Take note of the lovely things in the world, and eat your vegetables.\\n","html":"<p>This week, I went to three different grocery stores and several online shops looking for flour. I couldn’t find it. Flour, one of the most basic ingredients one can find in a pantry, is now being sold on the internet for upwards of $50 a bag. </p><p></p><p>Never in my life had I experienced food scarcity to this degree. Grocery stores are not properly stocked. Chrissy Teigen is outsourcing for romaine lettuce on Twitter. We’re encouraged to avoid going out in public at all, which has a lot of us rifling through our pantries for something appealing. In short, we are at a time of global crisis— and it is affecting how we eat. These feelings can be summed up to food insecurity, a term used to refer to the lack of access to adequate nutrition and the uncertainty of when you’ll have it next.</p><p></p><p>Even if you don’t acknowledge it, you may feel its effects. In a study run by Project EAT (Eating Among Teens), youths experiencing food insecurity were more likely to perceive that eating healthfully was inconvenient and that healthy food did not taste good. Food-insecure youths gravitated towards fast food and over-processed foods, as well as foods with a higher fat content. </p><p></p><p>To put it differently, in this time of need, our bodies gravitate towards putting on weight. With the stress of a potential food shortage, there is a gene within us that tells us eat more, in case this might be the last nourishment we have for a while. And even though it is quite unlikely we’ll experience a shortage of all food, the lizard part of your brain doesn’t know that. You may feel out of control, which is never a good feeling.</p><p></p><p>In <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\">yoga</a>, we learn that much of the world’s problems can be solved by being mindful. Mindfulness means, in this case, slowing down, savoring moments, and living presently. Yes, you can eat (and cook) mindfully in times like these— and you’ll be shocked at how much better you feel. Here are a few tips for moving inward and eating mindfully when times get tough:</p><p></p><p>Work on feeling your best outside of food. Emotional eating affects many of us, especially in times of stress. To develop your best relationship with food, work on finding non-food-related coping mechanisms. Play with your pet, go for a walk— or take a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">yoga class</a>! When you manage your stress better, you’ll find that your relationship with food blossoms for the better. Whether it’s rediscovering your appetite or quitting binge eating, stress management is the ultimate solution. </p><p></p><p>Keep it fresh. The more fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs you incorporate into your diet, the healthier you will be. Not only are they more filling, but due to their natural simplicity your body digests them easier and thrives on their accessible nutrients and vitamins. While food insecurity might deter you from a produce-based diet, fruits and vegetables are some of the most abundant items you can find in your local grocery store. They’ll provide much-needed variety during this time, and add some lovely color to your dish. </p><p></p><p>Take a moment of gratitude before your meal. No matter how stressful this time is, sitting down for a meal is a moment to say thanks. Whether it’s for the food on your plate, the roof over your head, or the company you keep, you have something to be grateful for. Starting our meals with gratitude helps us savor them more, and infuse the moment with positivity.</p><p></p><p>Put down your phone and turn off the TV. Even nice meals are difficult to enjoy if you have Twitter feeding you news alerts while you eat. Take meal time as time for yourself and the people you share your space with. This was one of the first tips I got from a holistic healer when I talked about having stomach problems— and shockingly, it even worked for that. When your mind is fully aware that you are eating, it tells your body to kick into digestion mode. And, you’re more likely to feel satisfied or full if you are present during your meal.</p><p></p><p>Eat slowly. We all know someone (maybe even ourselves) who can finish dinner in under ten minutes. Because it takes around twenty minutes for your body to register fullness, that is far too quick to adequately tune in to your body’s signals. Beyond that, it doesn’t give you the time to truly relish and enjoy the flavors on your plate. You wouldn’t rush through a meal at a five-star restaurant, so don’t rush through your breakfast either. Take your time and enjoy the flavors— your body (and stomach) will thank you.</p><p></p><p>Remember these tips the next time you’re getting ready for a meal— and try them out! If you like them, keep them in your routine. And most importantly, remember we will get through this. Take note of the lovely things in the world, and eat your vegetables.</p><p></p>"},"category":[],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>This week, I went to three different grocery stores and several online shops looking for flour. I couldn’t find it. Flour, one of the most basic ingredients one can find in a pantry, is now being sold on the internet for upwards of $50 a bag. </p><p></p><p>Never in my life had I experienced food scarcity to this degree. Grocery stores are not properly stocked. Chrissy Teigen is outsourcing for romaine lettuce on Twitter. We’re encouraged to avoid going out in public at all, which has a lot of us rifling through our pantries for something appealing. In short, we are at a time of global crisis— and it is affecting how we eat. These feelings can be summed up to food insecurity, a term used to refer to the lack of access to adequate nutrition and the uncertainty of when you’ll have it next.</p><p></p><p>Even if you don’t acknowledge it, you may feel its effects. In a study run by Project EAT (Eating Among Teens), youths experiencing food insecurity were more likely to perceive that eating healthfully was inconvenient and that healthy food did not taste good. Food-insecure youths gravitated towards fast food and over-processed foods, as well as foods with a higher fat content. </p><p></p><p>To put it differently, in this time of need, our bodies gravitate towards putting on weight. With the stress of a potential food shortage, there is a gene within us that tells us eat more, in case this might be the last nourishment we have for a while. And even though it is quite unlikely we’ll experience a shortage of all food, the lizard part of your brain doesn’t know that. You may feel out of control, which is never a good feeling.</p><p></p><p>In <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\">yoga</a>, we learn that much of the world’s problems can be solved by being mindful. Mindfulness means, in this case, slowing down, savoring moments, and living presently. Yes, you can eat (and cook) mindfully in times like these— and you’ll be shocked at how much better you feel. Here are a few tips for moving inward and eating mindfully when times get tough:</p><p></p><p>Work on feeling your best outside of food. Emotional eating affects many of us, especially in times of stress. To develop your best relationship with food, work on finding non-food-related coping mechanisms. Play with your pet, go for a walk— or take a <a\n class=\"inline-cta\"\n id=f4dbfe12-0839-425f-b3dd-f6140ed6086c\n href=\"/free-trial-o?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=ckfqzb2ug024w0126mcg6v2g9&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=Eating Mindfully in Crisis&entity_slug=eating-mindfully-in-crisis&page_or_popup=/articles/eating-mindfully-in-crisis&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"f4dbfe12-0839-425f-b3dd-f6140ed6086c\")\n title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n data-title=\"Eating Mindfully in Crisis\"\n data-slug=\"eating-mindfully-in-crisis\"\n <u>yoga class</a></u> \n </a>! When you manage your stress better, you’ll find that your relationship with food blossoms for the better. Whether it’s rediscovering your appetite or quitting binge eating, stress management is the ultimate solution. </p><p></p><p>Keep it fresh. The more fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs you incorporate into your diet, the healthier you will be. Not only are they more filling, but due to their natural simplicity your body digests them easier and thrives on their accessible nutrients and vitamins. While food insecurity might deter you from a produce-based diet, fruits and vegetables are some of the most abundant items you can find in your local grocery store. They’ll provide much-needed variety during this time, and add some lovely color to your dish. </p><p></p><p>Take a moment of gratitude before your meal. No matter how stressful this time is, sitting down for a meal is a moment to say thanks. Whether it’s for the food on your plate, the roof over your head, or the company you keep, you have something to be grateful for. Starting our meals with gratitude helps us savor them more, and infuse the moment with positivity.</p><p></p><p>Put down your phone and turn off the TV. Even nice meals are difficult to enjoy if you have Twitter feeding you news alerts while you eat. Take meal time as time for yourself and the people you share your space with. This was one of the first tips I got from a holistic healer when I talked about having stomach problems— and shockingly, it even worked for that. When your mind is fully aware that you are eating, it tells your body to kick into digestion mode. And, you’re more likely to feel satisfied or full if you are present during your meal.</p><p></p><p>Eat slowly. We all know someone (maybe even ourselves) who can finish dinner in under ten minutes. Because it takes around twenty minutes for your body to register fullness, that is far too quick to adequately tune in to your body’s signals. Beyond that, it doesn’t give you the time to truly relish and enjoy the flavors on your plate. You wouldn’t rush through a meal at a five-star restaurant, so don’t rush through your breakfast either. Take your time and enjoy the flavors— your body (and stomach) will thank you.</p><p></p><p>Remember these tips the next time you’re getting ready for a meal— and try them out! If you like them, keep them in your routine. And most importantly, remember we will get through this. Take note of the lovely things in the world, and eat your vegetables.</p><p></p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"eating-mindfully-in-crisis","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"free-trial-o","redirectURL":"#","current_url":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/eating-mindfully-in-crisis","student_details":"","facebookUrl":"","twitterUrl":"","copyUrl":"","emailUrl":"","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required to sign up.</p><p></p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>for Lymphatic Drainage & Boosting Your Immune System!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl2vqlpyfe3yh0biohgxyx2hg","name":"[CTA-LEAD]","description":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl4gnwnrlga640ck37gutx7sn","name":"[CTA-GC]","description":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"}],"post":{"id":"ckfqzb2ug024w0126mcg6v2g9","slug":"eating-mindfully-in-crisis","author":{"name":"Jitendra","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png"},"title":"Eating Mindfully in Crisis","createdAt":"2020-03-30T00:00:00+00:00","updatedAt":"2021-06-26T22:03:16.360701+00:00","coverUrl":"Social-post-04.png","seoDescription":"The way we eat also shows the way we feel internally. Practicing yoga helps us become more mindful and can help improve our relationship with food.","content":{"text":"This week, I went to three different grocery stores and several online shops looking for flour. I couldn’t find it. Flour, one of the most basic ingredients one can find in a pantry, is now being sold on the internet for upwards of $50 a bag. \\n\\nNever in my life had I experienced food scarcity to this degree. Grocery stores are not properly stocked. Chrissy Teigen is outsourcing for romaine lettuce on Twitter. We’re encouraged to avoid going out in public at all, which has a lot of us rifling through our pantries for something appealing. In short, we are at a time of global crisis— and it is affecting how we eat. These feelings can be summed up to food insecurity, a term used to refer to the lack of access to adequate nutrition and the uncertainty of when you’ll have it next.\\n\\nEven if you don’t acknowledge it, you may feel its effects. In a study run by Project EAT (Eating Among Teens), youths experiencing food insecurity were more likely to perceive that eating healthfully was inconvenient and that healthy food did not taste good. Food-insecure youths gravitated towards fast food and over-processed foods, as well as foods with a higher fat content. \\n\\nTo put it differently, in this time of need, our bodies gravitate towards putting on weight. With the stress of a potential food shortage, there is a gene within us that tells us eat more, in case this might be the last nourishment we have for a while. And even though it is quite unlikely we’ll experience a shortage of all food, the lizard part of your brain doesn’t know that. You may feel out of control, which is never a good feeling.\\n\\nIn \\nyoga\\n, we learn that much of the world’s problems can be solved by being mindful. Mindfulness means, in this case, slowing down, savoring moments, and living presently. Yes, you can eat (and cook) mindfully in times like these— and you’ll be shocked at how much better you feel. Here are a few tips for moving inward and eating mindfully when times get tough:\\n\\nWork on feeling your best outside of food. Emotional eating affects many of us, especially in times of stress. To develop your best relationship with food, work on finding non-food-related coping mechanisms. Play with your pet, go for a walk— or take a \\nyoga class\\n! When you manage your stress better, you’ll find that your relationship with food blossoms for the better. Whether it’s rediscovering your appetite or quitting binge eating, stress management is the ultimate solution. \\n\\nKeep it fresh. The more fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs you incorporate into your diet, the healthier you will be. Not only are they more filling, but due to their natural simplicity your body digests them easier and thrives on their accessible nutrients and vitamins. While food insecurity might deter you from a produce-based diet, fruits and vegetables are some of the most abundant items you can find in your local grocery store. They’ll provide much-needed variety during this time, and add some lovely color to your dish. \\n\\nTake a moment of gratitude before your meal. No matter how stressful this time is, sitting down for a meal is a moment to say thanks. Whether it’s for the food on your plate, the roof over your head, or the company you keep, you have something to be grateful for. Starting our meals with gratitude helps us savor them more, and infuse the moment with positivity.\\n\\nPut down your phone and turn off the TV. Even nice meals are difficult to enjoy if you have Twitter feeding you news alerts while you eat. Take meal time as time for yourself and the people you share your space with. This was one of the first tips I got from a holistic healer when I talked about having stomach problems— and shockingly, it even worked for that. When your mind is fully aware that you are eating, it tells your body to kick into digestion mode. And, you’re more likely to feel satisfied or full if you are present during your meal.\\n\\nEat slowly. We all know someone (maybe even ourselves) who can finish dinner in under ten minutes. Because it takes around twenty minutes for your body to register fullness, that is far too quick to adequately tune in to your body’s signals. Beyond that, it doesn’t give you the time to truly relish and enjoy the flavors on your plate. You wouldn’t rush through a meal at a five-star restaurant, so don’t rush through your breakfast either. Take your time and enjoy the flavors— your body (and stomach) will thank you.\\n\\nRemember these tips the next time you’re getting ready for a meal— and try them out! If you like them, keep them in your routine. And most importantly, remember we will get through this. Take note of the lovely things in the world, and eat your vegetables.\\n","html":"<p>This week, I went to three different grocery stores and several online shops looking for flour. I couldn’t find it. Flour, one of the most basic ingredients one can find in a pantry, is now being sold on the internet for upwards of $50 a bag. </p><p></p><p>Never in my life had I experienced food scarcity to this degree. Grocery stores are not properly stocked. Chrissy Teigen is outsourcing for romaine lettuce on Twitter. We’re encouraged to avoid going out in public at all, which has a lot of us rifling through our pantries for something appealing. In short, we are at a time of global crisis— and it is affecting how we eat. These feelings can be summed up to food insecurity, a term used to refer to the lack of access to adequate nutrition and the uncertainty of when you’ll have it next.</p><p></p><p>Even if you don’t acknowledge it, you may feel its effects. In a study run by Project EAT (Eating Among Teens), youths experiencing food insecurity were more likely to perceive that eating healthfully was inconvenient and that healthy food did not taste good. Food-insecure youths gravitated towards fast food and over-processed foods, as well as foods with a higher fat content. </p><p></p><p>To put it differently, in this time of need, our bodies gravitate towards putting on weight. With the stress of a potential food shortage, there is a gene within us that tells us eat more, in case this might be the last nourishment we have for a while. And even though it is quite unlikely we’ll experience a shortage of all food, the lizard part of your brain doesn’t know that. You may feel out of control, which is never a good feeling.</p><p></p><p>In <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\">yoga</a>, we learn that much of the world’s problems can be solved by being mindful. Mindfulness means, in this case, slowing down, savoring moments, and living presently. Yes, you can eat (and cook) mindfully in times like these— and you’ll be shocked at how much better you feel. Here are a few tips for moving inward and eating mindfully when times get tough:</p><p></p><p>Work on feeling your best outside of food. Emotional eating affects many of us, especially in times of stress. To develop your best relationship with food, work on finding non-food-related coping mechanisms. Play with your pet, go for a walk— or take a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">yoga class</a>! When you manage your stress better, you’ll find that your relationship with food blossoms for the better. Whether it’s rediscovering your appetite or quitting binge eating, stress management is the ultimate solution. </p><p></p><p>Keep it fresh. The more fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs you incorporate into your diet, the healthier you will be. Not only are they more filling, but due to their natural simplicity your body digests them easier and thrives on their accessible nutrients and vitamins. While food insecurity might deter you from a produce-based diet, fruits and vegetables are some of the most abundant items you can find in your local grocery store. They’ll provide much-needed variety during this time, and add some lovely color to your dish. </p><p></p><p>Take a moment of gratitude before your meal. No matter how stressful this time is, sitting down for a meal is a moment to say thanks. Whether it’s for the food on your plate, the roof over your head, or the company you keep, you have something to be grateful for. Starting our meals with gratitude helps us savor them more, and infuse the moment with positivity.</p><p></p><p>Put down your phone and turn off the TV. Even nice meals are difficult to enjoy if you have Twitter feeding you news alerts while you eat. Take meal time as time for yourself and the people you share your space with. This was one of the first tips I got from a holistic healer when I talked about having stomach problems— and shockingly, it even worked for that. When your mind is fully aware that you are eating, it tells your body to kick into digestion mode. And, you’re more likely to feel satisfied or full if you are present during your meal.</p><p></p><p>Eat slowly. We all know someone (maybe even ourselves) who can finish dinner in under ten minutes. Because it takes around twenty minutes for your body to register fullness, that is far too quick to adequately tune in to your body’s signals. Beyond that, it doesn’t give you the time to truly relish and enjoy the flavors on your plate. You wouldn’t rush through a meal at a five-star restaurant, so don’t rush through your breakfast either. Take your time and enjoy the flavors— your body (and stomach) will thank you.</p><p></p><p>Remember these tips the next time you’re getting ready for a meal— and try them out! If you like them, keep them in your routine. And most importantly, remember we will get through this. Take note of the lovely things in the world, and eat your vegetables.</p><p></p>"},"category":[],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":null}
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