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{"posts":[{"title":"How Yoga Can Help Overcoming Addiction and Bad Habits","coverUrl":"nzclqzjeil5ts2kgfknk.jpg","slug":"yoga-to-overcome-addiction-and-bad-habits","content":{"text":"Are you struggling with addiction or bad habits that are holding you back from living your best life? You're not alone. Many people find themselves trapped in a cycle of self-destructive behavior that can be difficult to break free from. However, there is a powerful tool that can help you overcome these challenges and reclaim control of your life: Yoga.\\nYoga is more than just a physical exercise. It's a holistic practice that integrates body, mind, and spirit. Through the practice of yoga, you can develop greater self-awareness, cultivate mindfulness, and build resilience to overcome addiction and bad habits.\\nIn this article, we'll explore the ways in which yoga can help you overcome addiction and bad habits. We'll discuss the science behind how yoga affects the brain and body, as well as practical tips for incorporating yoga into your daily routine. Whether you're new to yoga or have been practicing for years, you'll discover how this ancient practice can help you heal and transform your life. So let's dive in and explore the transformative power of yoga for overcoming addiction and bad habits.\\n\\nYoga as a mind-body practice:\\nYoga is a holistic practice that brings together the body, mind, and spirit. When it comes to addiction and bad habits, yoga can be especially helpful because it addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of the issue. By practicing yoga regularly, individuals can develop a greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. This increased awareness can help them identify the root causes of their addiction or bad habit and develop new coping strategies.\\n\\nMindfulness and self-awareness in yoga:\\nOne of the key benefits of yoga for addiction and bad habits is that it promotes mindfulness and self-awareness. By practicing yoga, individuals can learn to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment. This can be incredibly helpful for those struggling with addiction or bad habits, as it can help them become more aware of their triggers and make more conscious decisions. Through yoga, individuals can cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness and learn to respond to their emotions in a healthy way.\\n\\nYoga as a coping mechanism:\\nAnother benefit of yoga for addiction and bad habits is that it can be a healthy and productive way to cope with stress, anxiety, and other difficult emotions. By practicing yoga, individuals can learn to manage their emotions in a positive way. This can be especially helpful for those who have relied on addictive behaviors as a way to cope with stress or negative emotions in the past.\\n\\nHow yoga can reduce stress and anxiety:\\nStress and anxiety are common triggers for addictive behaviors. Yoga has been shown to be an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety, which can make individuals more resilient and less likely to turn to addictive behaviors as a way to cope. By practicing yoga regularly, individuals can cultivate a sense of inner calm and develop healthier coping mechanisms.\\n\n\\nYoga as a way to improve physical health:\\nFinally, it's important to remember that addiction and bad habits can take a toll on physical health as well as mental health. Yoga is a great way to improve physical health, which can in turn support addiction and bad habit recovery. By practicing yoga, individuals can improve their flexibility, strength, and overall physical well-being.\\n\\nYoga Practices to Help Overcome Addiction and Bad Habits:\\nNow that we've explored the ways in which yoga can help with addiction and bad habits, let's dive into specific yoga practices that can be particularly beneficial.\\n\n\\n10 Yoga Asanas to Overcome Addiction and Bad Habits:\\nYoga asanas, or postures, can help individuals develop greater physical awareness and flexibility. This can be especially helpful for those who may have neglected their physical health due to addiction or bad habits. Certain asanas can also help individuals release tension and promote relaxation. Some asanas that can be particularly beneficial for addiction and bad habits include:\\n1.Tadasana (Mountain Pose)\\n\\nTadasana is a simple yet powerful yoga asana that can help you develop a sense of grounding and stability. This pose can help you overcome addictive tendencies by strengthening your willpower and focus.\\nTo practice Tadasana, stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms by your sides. Press your feet into the ground and lift your spine towards the ceiling. Hold the pose for a few breaths and then release.\\n\\n2.Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose)\\n\\nAdho Mukha Svanasana is a popular yoga asana that can help you release tension and stress. This pose can help you overcome addictive tendencies by calming your mind and reducing anxiety.\\nTo practice Adho Mukha Svanasana, come onto your hands and knees, with your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees hip-width apart. Press your hands into the ground and lift your hips towards the ceiling. Hold the pose for a few breaths and then release.\\n\\n3.Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)\\n\\nVrikshasana is a balancing yoga asana that can help you develop focus and concentration. This pose can help you overcome addictive tendencies by strengthening your willpower and self-discipline.\\nTo practice Vrikshasana, stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms by your sides. Lift your right foot and place it on your left thigh. Press your hands into your heart and hold the pose for a few breaths. Repeat on the other side.\\n\\n4.Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)\\n\\nBhujangasana is a gentle backbend that can help you release tension and stress. This pose can help you overcome addictive tendencies by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.\\nTo practice Bhujangasana, lie on your stomach with your hands under your shoulders. Press your hands into the ground and lift your chest towards the ceiling. Hold the pose for a few breaths and then release.\\n\\n5.Ustrasana (Camel Pose)\\n\\nUstrasana is a deep backbend that can help you release tension and stress. This pose can help you overcome addictive tendencies by promoting self-acceptance and inner peace.\\nTo practice Ustrasana, kneel on the ground with your knees hip-width apart. Place your hands on your lower back and lift your chest towards the ceiling. Hold the pose for a few breaths and then release.\\n\\n6.Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II Pose)\\n\\nVirabhadrasana II is a powerful standing pose that can help you develop strength and stamina. This pose can help you overcome addictive tendencies by boosting your confidence and self-esteem.\\nTo practice Virabhadrasana II, stand with your feet wide apart and your arms by your sides. Turn your right foot out to the side and bend your right knee. Extend your arms out to the sides and hold the pose for a few breaths. Repeat on the other side.\\n\\n7.Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)\\n\\nSetu Bandhasana is a gentle backbend that can help you release tension and stress. This pose can help you overcome addictive tendencies by promoting relaxation and inner peace.\\nTo practice Setu Bandhasana, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet hip-width apart. Lift your hips towards the ceiling and hold the pose for a few breaths.\\n\\n8.Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)\\n\\nDhanurasana is a backbend that can help you release tension and increase your energy levels. This pose can help you overcome addictive tendencies by promoting self-awareness and mindfulness.\\nTo practice Dhanurasana, lie on your stomach with your arms by your sides. Bend your knees and reach back to grab your ankles. Lift your chest and thighs off the ground and hold the pose for a few breaths.\\n\\n9.Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)\\n\\nPaschimottanasana is a forward bend that can help you release tension and calm your mind. This pose can help you overcome addictive tendencies by reducing stress and anxiety.\\nTo practice Paschimottanasana, sit on the ground with your legs extended in front of you. Reach forward and grab your feet or ankles. Fold forward and hold the pose for a few breaths.\\n\\n10.Savasana (Corpse Pose)\\n\\nSavasana is a relaxing pose that can help you release tension and promote deep relaxation. This pose can help you overcome addictive tendencies by promoting self-awareness and inner peace.\\nTo practice Savasana, lie on your back with your arms by your sides. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Allow your body to completely relax and hold the pose for several minutes.\\n\\n\n\n\\nPranayama (breathing exercises) for addiction and bad habits:\\nPranayama, or breathing exercises, can be incredibly helpful for managing stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for addictive behaviors. By practicing pranayama, individuals can learn to regulate their breath and promote a sense of calm. Some pranayama techniques that can be particularly beneficial for addiction and bad habits include:\n\\n1. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana):\\n This technique involves breathing through alternate nostrils, which can help balance the nervous system and promote relaxation.\\n\n\\n2. Bhramari (Bee Breath):\\n This technique involves making a humming sound while exhaling, which can be incredibly calming and soothing.\\n\\nMeditation for addiction and bad habits:\\nMeditation is a powerful tool for cultivating mindfulness and self-awareness. By practicing meditation, individuals can learn to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, which can help them make more conscious decisions and develop healthier habits. Some meditation techniques that can be particularly beneficial for addiction and bad habits include:\\n\n\\n1.Body Scan Meditation:\\n This technique involves scanning the body from head to toe and noticing any sensations without judgment.\\n\n\\n2.Loving-Kindness Meditation: \\nThis technique involves directing loving-kindness and compassion towards oneself and others, which can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with self-criticism or negative self-talk.\\n\\nYoga Nidra for addiction and bad habits:\\nYoga Nidra, or yogic sleep, is a guided meditation technique that can be incredibly helpful for promoting relaxation and reducing stress. This technique involves lying down in a comfortable position and listening to a guided meditation. Yoga Nidra can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle with insomnia or difficulty sleeping due to addiction or bad habits.\\nBy incorporating these specific yoga practices into a regular yoga practice, individuals can develop greater self-awareness, manage stress and anxiety, and promote relaxation. Yoga for addiction and bad habits is a holistic approach to healing that can be incredibly powerful and transformative.\\n\n"},"createdAt":"2023-03-14T11:11:33.953263+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg","teacherMytSlug":"will-1"},"category":["mental_health"]},{"title":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s First Mental Health Awareness Event: Making Mental Health a Global Priority","coverUrl":"uqopxkfllwhswprb3saq.png","slug":"mental-health-event-oct-2022","content":{"text":"You’re invited!\\nMental health conditions are increasing worldwide. Approximately 13% of the world’s population suffers from some kind of mental health issue. That’s over 1 billion people. Not including those who haven’t been diagnosed or those of us who simply (or not so simply) struggle managing our stress!\n⁠\\nThat’s why MyYogaTeacher is hosting its first ever free 3-day Mental Health Awareness Event October 9th - 11th: Making Mental Health A Global Priority.\\n\\nYou’ll be inspired, seen, heard, and guided by three of our amazing, expert MyYogaTeacher yoga instructors! It’s going to be a phenomenal experience and way to improve your mental (and emotional) health!\n\\nHow to join the Mental Health Awareness 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. You’ll get instant access to the event – plus two weeks of free group classes and two 1-on-1 sessions with a MyYogaTeacher instructor\\n\\nHas your free trial expired and you’re not a member?\\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\\nCheck out the 3 classes that will change your life!\\n\\n\\n\n\\n\\nExploring Mental Health & Spirituality with Vinay Varanasi\\n\\nSunday, October 9 at 05:00 pm PST\\nHow do mental health and spirituality affect one another? In this 60-minute session, you’ll explore how your mental health is related to your spirituality (not religion) and vice versa. Both heavily impact your life’s journey. People in all stages of spirituality are welcome to attend!\n\\nClick here to find out more or book this session\\n\\n\\n\\nManaging Stress with Mindfulness with Shweta Jain\\n\\nMonday, October 10 at 06:00 am PST\\nA meditative lifestyle helps you manage stress and anxiety! But what exactly is mindfulness and meditation? How is it done? Get the answers to those questions and explore how mindfulness applications promote holistic well-being in this 60-minute session.\n\\nClick here to find out more or book this session\\n\\n\\n\\nExperiencing Calm in the Storm: What to do When You’re Stressed or Depressed with Vanitha Chandrasegaram\\n\\nMonday, October 11 at 05:00 pm PST\\nThis 60-minute interactive session begins with a warm-up and fun physical activity before jumping into the psychology behind stress, anxiety, and depression and how it impacts your life. Then you’ll explore tools and be provided tips to help you find peace in those situations. A 15-minute Q&A follows!\n\\n⁠\\nClick here to find out more or book this session\\n\\n\\nManaging your mental health doesn’t end when the event does!\\nThat’s why being a MyYogaTeacher member is so helpful. We offer 100% live classes from authentic, expert Indian yoga teachers that are here to help you continue your journey to better mental, emotional, and physical health.\\nCheck out these classes focused on improving your mental health…offered regularly! And available during your two-week trial and to all MyYogaTeacher members.\n⁠\\nClass\\nTime (PST)\\nTeacher\\n\\nBreathing and Meditation\\n\\n8:30 am\\nArchana R\\n\\nBhakti Yoga: Mantra Chanting for Mental Health\\n\\n4:30 pm\\nNiyata Sahu\\n\\nYoga For Stress & Anxiety with Nandeep H\\n\\n5:30 pm\\nNandeep\\n\\nRestorative Yoga- For Deep Relaxation \\n\\n5:30 pm\\nSwathi K S\\n\\nYoga Nidra \\n\\n7:30 pm\\nShivayogi\\n\\nChakra & Sound healing\\n\\n5:30 pm\\nAbhishek \\n\\nKundalini \\n\\n3:30 PM\\nSujit Tiwari\\n\\nBreathing and Meditation\\n \\n3:00 PM\\nSheena\\n\\nTrataka - Candlelight Meditation\\n \\n4:30 AM\\nAkshay Bhat\\n\\nPranic Energization Techniques: Revitalize Your Whole Self\\n\\n6:30 PM\\nBodhi Abhishek\\n\\nBreathe And Flow \\n\\n5:30 PM\\nBharath\\n\\nKundalini Yoga - Breathing movement and Meditation \\n\\n5:30 AM\\nBodhi Abhishek\\n\\nKriya, Pranayama and Meditation\\n \\n4:30 PM\\nRohan shroff\\n\\nKriya, Pranayama and Meditation\\n\\n5:00 AM\\nRohan shroff\\n\\nVipassana - Meditation \\n\\n4:30 AM\\nAkshay Bhat\\n\\nMantra,Mudra and Meditation\\n\\n6:30 PM\\nBodhi Abhishek\\n\\nHealing Oneself Through Loving Kindness Meditation\\n\\n6:30 PM\\nPreeti Goswami\\n\\nLaughter Yoga\\n\\n9:30 AM\\nKanika Sud\\n\\nRest and Rejuvenate with Golden Light Meditation\\n\\n6:30 PM\\nPreeti Goswami\\n\\nTheta Meditation: Accessing the brain power\\n\\n6:30 PM\\nBodhi Abhishek\\n\\nStretch and Breath\\n \\n5:00 AM\\nShrutika\\n\\nManaging stress with Mindfulness \\n\\n6:00 AM\\nShweta Jain\\n\\nExperiencing Calm in the Storm: What to do When You’re Stressed & Depressed \\n\\n5:00 PM\\nVanitha\\n\\nExploring Mental Health and Spirituality \\n\\n5:00 PM\\nVinay Varanasi\\n\\nConsider how much more joyful you’d be if you were able to control your mental health instead of letting it control you? How would being mentally and emotionally healthy affect your daily life? How would you move better in the world? \\n\\nJoin us on the journey to better mental health for ourselves \\nand\\n others at MyYogaTeacher’s first ever Mental Health Awareness Event October 9th to 11th!\\n\\nLet’s make mental health a global priority.\\n"},"createdAt":"2022-10-04T14:46:29.029785+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg","teacherMytSlug":"will-1"},"category":["mental_health","meditation"]},{"title":"The Not-So-Secret Benefits of Sound Healing: When Music is Medicine","coverUrl":"yceufd0mdixpbsqnowqt.jpg","slug":"benefits-of-sound-healing","content":{"text":"It’s no secret that music is old, ancient in fact. Humans have been making and listening to music for millenia…\\nthousands\\n of years. While the origins of music may be a bit of a mystery, it is obvious that humans respond to it mentally, emotionally, and physically.\\nMusic is medicine with absolutely no negative physiological side effects.\\nOur bodies emit energy, just like every other thing (living or not) on this planet. And when we are exposed to certain frequencies of music, which is also energy, our bodies respond to it. Sometimes, the vibration from music alone can positively impact our body. \\nScience has proven that sound healing is an effective tool to treat physical pain as well as emotional and mental distress. However, anecdotally, music has shown to be a powerful source of healing for many people in many ways.\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we believe wholeheartedly in the power of sound healing. We don’t teach it just because it’s an ancient, traditional practice. It truly benefits our students’ mental, physical, and emotional health!\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\\nLet’s discuss the benefits of sound healing!\\n\\n\n\\nSound healing meditation helps with pain management\\nThe most common form of pain management, particularly in America, is over-the-counter and prescription medications. Increasingly more people are seeking alternative pain management techniques due to the negative side effects of these medications.\\nAlso known in the scientific world as \\nvibroacoustic therapy\\n, sound healing has been proven to improve physical pain from illnesses and diseases such as:\\nFibromyalgia\\nArthritis\\nCOVID-19\\nBone issues (such as heal spurs)\\nCerebral palsy\\nScience of how sound therapy improves pain\\nSound therapy and sound meditation has also been shown to alleviate menstrual symptoms, postoperative pain, and reduces muscle pain and stiffness. \\nHow? Sound therapy lowers your blood pressure and improves circulation, both of which affect pain intensity. Additionally, sound works through the vibrational tactile sensors in the body, stimulating the touch fibers that affect pain perception.\\nSound vibrations that match the vibration of the energy of healthy cells in the body have also been shown to heal the body and bring it back to a harmonious energy state. Scientists all over the world have created devices of all sorts that emulate the vibrational waves of different parts of the body in order to provide healing.\\nAt MyYogaTeacher, you don’t need any devices to participate in sound healing! Many of our instructors are highly experienced experts in the world of sound healing meditation and provide various types of classes focused on the topic.\\nBesides healing the body and helping with pain management, sound meditations are beneficial in other ways as well.\\n\\n\\nSound meditation improves mental and emotional health\\nRemember how I mentioned that sound therapy reduces blood pressure and increases blood flow? Lower blood pressure means the body is calming down and not releasing as much cortisol, a stress hormone that is bad for you in high or consistent doses. Improved circulation means your body and mind are receiving more oxygen and nutrient-rich blood, which fuels us and makes us feel more relaxed and invigorated.\\nSound is a powerful and effective tool for changing one’s brain state, improving mood, reducing anxiety and depression, and calming down the central nervous system.\\nScience behind how sound meditation improves mental health\\nOur brains emit four different types of \\nbrain waves\\n at various times of day:\\nBeta waves\\n are emitted when our brains are the most active, usually during the day or during activity\\nAlpha waves \\noccur when the brain is finished with a task or activity or when one meditates\\nTheta waves \\nare associated with REM sleep, daydreaming, or have highway hypnosis when you’re driving for a long time\\nDelta waves \\noccur when you’re having a dreamless sleep and are the slowest of the four types of waves\\nSound waves occur at all different frequencies. But sound meditation and sound therapy involves music made with an instrument or through chanting at a frequency that matches alpha, theta, or delta waves, depending on the goal of the meditation.\\nThis allows your mind and body to relax deeply while still being conscious. When our brains are conscious but in a meditative trance-like state, we are easily able to release negative thoughts, energy, stress, worries. Our minds are suggestable, malleable to change in thought patterns and behaviors.\\nSound therapy also provides such a deep relaxation that you are refreshed and calm, free from many or all of the anxiety and depressive symptoms you suffered from before the session.\\nRegular sound healing meditations are extremely beneficial for mental health and emotional regulation.\\nAre you interested in learning more about the benefits of sound meditation? Maybe you’re ready to try one of the many sound therapy classes we offer at MyYogaTeacher! All are welcome. There is never any judgment if you don’t know or understand something in our classes. MyYogaTeacher classes are safe places to explore, learn, and grow as a human and a yogi!\\nWe offer 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n"},"createdAt":"2022-07-21T19:38:57.229678+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["therapy","emotional_health","anxiety","mental_health"]},{"title":"The Power of Ancient Pranayama and Meditation Therapy","coverUrl":"khqj05yqx4ahb88hp6pf.jpg","slug":"pranayama-and-meditation","content":{"text":"Are you familiar with the term pranayama? If you practice yoga in a western yoga studio or only use yoga as a physical practice to strengthen, tone, and become more flexible, then the word “pranayama” might not be a word you resonate with.\\nAnd that’s ok! That’s why I’m here!\\nIn Sanskrit, the word “pranayama” means “to have control of your vital life force.” Generally, this refers to yogic breathing and/or breath work. It is the practice of regulating breath.\\nPranayama is a main component of yoga, often practiced in conjunction with traditional meditation sessions but also used in the physical practice of yoga as well.\\nThere are so many benefits to pranayama and yogic breathing that I can’t even get to them all here. But for those of you who are familiar with pranayama and have experience with various forms of yogic breathing techniques, I teach several intermediate and advanced level pranayama and meditation sessions at MyYogaTeacher!\\nIf you’re not a MyYogaTeacher member, I encourage you to grab your 2-week free trial by clicking the link below! No credit card required.\\nWe offer 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\nFor those of you who haven’t yet been exposed to the power of ancient pranayama and meditation therapy, let me explain…\\n\\n\nDifferent types of pranayama\\nThere are many different ways to practice yogic breathing. All of them are beneficial in different ways. For beginners, it’s important to learn about the ancient pranayama techniques from a yoga instructor who is experienced in the practices and qualified to teach them!\\nSome of the different types of pranayama include:\\nHumming bee breath\\nVictorious breath\\nAlternate nostril breathing\\nBellows breath\\nHissing breath\\nPranayama is a form of meditation. Meditation is a form of therapy. An ancient form of physical, mental and emotional healing that I’ll discuss here!\\n\\n\\nPranayama and the central nervous system\\nBecause breathing is a natural, unconscious process, we tend to not think about it unless there’s something wrong with our respiratory system. We undervalue the ability of breath to enhance our health and life.\\nHowever, breathing exercises have therapeutic effects on our central nervous system. If anecdotal evidence from ancient times to present wasn’t enough, researchers have now proven in multitudes of studies that purposeful yogic breathwork:\\nIncreases oxygen to your brain and vital organs\\nDecreases cortisol levels that can cause inflammation and compromised immunity\\nImproves sleep quality and quantity while also reducing snoring and sleep apnea\\nReduces high blood pressure\\nImproves lung function\\nEnhances cognitive performance\\nAnd so much more!\\nTraditional meditation and breathing sessions, when practiced regularly, can literally transform your life. Which makes sense since breath is, quite literally, your \\nlife force\\n.\\n\\n\\nThe mental and emotional power of pranayama\\nMany times, our mental and emotional state is a reflection of our physiololgical one. When we’re in chronic pain, struggling with illness or disease, or our bodies are trying to heal from an injury, we may struggle with depression, anxiety, anger. We may not think as clearly or make the best decisions.\\nHowever, mental and emotional struggle can come from other things too. Trauma, abuse, neglect, loss of a loved one, chemical imbalances, life stressors, and not living in the present moment.\\nYogic breathing techniques and meditation practices benefit our mental and emotional wellbeing, whether it’s from physiological problems or not.\\nAncient pranayama sessions (such as the ones I focus on in some of my sessions and workshops) address the five primary currents of breath, or vital force, and these currents are specific to certain regions of the body. They’re called the five prana vayus.\\nPracticing breathing exercises that correspond to these prana vayus is a powerful tool to improve our mental and emotional health. Studies show that yogic breathing:\\nIncreases mindfulness, helping us to stay present and not worry about future or past\\nActivates our parasympathetic nervous system (aka the rest and digest system)\\nHelps our body release feel good chemicals like serotonin and endorphins\\nIncreases self-awareness, which helps us address our emotional health in a positive way\\nDecreases pain and tension, which often contributes to negative mental and emotional states\\nThere is so much that ancient pranayama and meditation does to improve your life! \\nTherapeutic meditation and yogic breathwork isn’t to be taken lightly. If you are just beginning your yoga journey and are interested in how other aspects of your yoga practice, such as breathwork and meditation, will bring healing and harmony to your world, I do recommend seeking out a highly qualified yoga instructor to guide you.\\nMost, if not all, of MyYogaTeacher’s expert yoga instructors are \\nmore\\n than qualified to help you! We value authentic, traditional yoga and truly care about the health and wellbeing of our students. For us, yoga isn’t just a class. It’s the way we live our life.\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\n\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n\\n"},"createdAt":"2022-07-08T00:56:10.86197+00:00","author":{"name":"Bodhi","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["emotional_health","meditation","mental_health","therapy"]},{"title":"Using Yoga for Healing in Times of Conflict","coverUrl":"jemyfna9t5qd5osx8r2n.jpg","slug":"yoga-for-healing-during-conflict","content":{"text":"With the US government’s reversal of Roe vs. Wade, women worldwide are hurting. The United States has now entered a community of 24 other countries around the world that completely prohibits abortion. Whether you agree with this decision or not, is not the purpose of this article. \\nMyYogaTeacher strives to be sensitive to the needs of yogis everywhere, but particularly during times of conflict.\\nWhether you are rejoicing in the US government’s bold decision or you are mourning, there is still conflict. Conflict between government and citizens. Conflict between religions. Conflict between friends and family members who have differing views.\\nSo much conflict.\\nWe are here to help you heal in your time of need! Yoga has been used for centuries, millenia even, to heal physical, mental, and emotional wounds. \\nAnd \\nthis\\n is the purpose of this article. To guide you in all the ways yoga can heal during times of conflict.\\nIf you are not a MyYogaTeacher member yet, we encourage you take advantage of your free two-week trial. No credit cards needed.\\nAt MyYogaTeacher, we have members from all walks of life, religions, and all ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities! MyYogaTeacher offers 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\nIn the meantime, let us talk about how yoga provides the healing that so many people worldwide need, especially now.\\n\\n\\nYoga opens space for healing\\nAmidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we tend to swallow our emotions. We set them aside to deal with later (or not) so that we can function the way we need to on a day to day basis. Until there’s a better time and place to process those emotions. Except so often, that better time and place never arises.\\nThrough a consistent yoga practice, you have time to give yourself permission to feel, to process, to meditate on that which causes you strife. Yoga gives you time to make space for that.\\nMeditation is a huge part of yoga, even if you only participate in the physical practice of yoga. Every yoga session \\nis\\n a form of meditation.\\nThrough meditation and breath work, our bodies naturally release tension, stress, and anxiety. Our mind is made clearer and our thoughts more reflective.\\nOur body releases hormones that make us feel better, happier, more peaceful. Our muscles relax, releasing us from physical pain and tension.\\nAnd we are allowed to feel all the feelings. That is the beginning of healing.\\n\\n\nYoga grounds us\\nWhen conflicts arise and life is stressful, it is so easy to lose touch with reality. Suddenly, a situation seems more terrible and scary than it is. We begin to focus more on the negative aspects of our lives.\\nWe detach further and further from the good in the world.\\nThere is a saying. If you look for the negative, you’ll find it. It’s everywhere. The same is true for the positive.\\nPracticing yoga grounds us. It helps us not only see the good in ourselves but also others. Yoga helps us change our focus and be present in the moment. From there, we can more easily see that not every moment is bad. Not every moment is full of conflict, stress, strife. \\nFocusing inward through yoga helps us live our best lives and be our best selves in each individual moment. That’s not only healing for us, but us being present and grounded heals others!\\n\\n\nYoga and meditation help us connect\\nStudies have shown that human connection and connection to nature both provide internal \\nand\\n external healing. Every time you enjoy nature or spend quality time with the humans in your life that you care about and love, you are healing your body mentally, emotionally, and physically!\\nWhile yoga and meditation is a very individual, unique experience for each yogi because you discover (or rediscover) your connection to self, yoga provides human connection as well.\\nAnd if you practice outside, you are also connected to nature!\\nOften, during conflict, our instinct is to retreat. To hide away or “sweep it under the carpet.” This is not healthy and only leads to a deeper dive into reclusivity, anger, resentment, and hatred. Those are heavy emotions to carry around and only prove to hurt us.\\nA regular yoga and meditation practice not only helps us stay connected to our highest self, it connects us to others. From your yoga instructor, to other yogis in your class, to friends and family, yoga is a way to help us stay connected, work through conflict, and heal.\\n\\nAny time we are hurting, we are never in a place to help others. We are not in a place to create change in ourselves or the world if we do not make time to heal ourselves in healthy ways. When we respond out of fear, anger, resentment, and/or hatred, we are inviting more of the same. More darkness.\\nTrue yoga, beyond just a healthy body, helps us to build a world based on love and compassion\\n - not dominance, force and fear.\\nTrue yoga evokes change in ways we need individually and in the world.\\nIf you are looking for healing or need a respite from the darkness of the world, or you just need a space to \\nhold\\n space for the processing of emotions, MyYogaTeacher is here for you.\\nOur expert yoga teachers aren’t just teachers. They’re friends. And we all truly care about you!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n102 expert, highly qualified yoga instructors\\n to choose from\\nThe \\nability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to \\nunlimited group classes, taught live\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of \\na HUGE community of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here!\\n\\n\\n"},"createdAt":"2022-06-29T21:07:49.859986+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["emotional_health","mental_health"]},{"title":"Cat Yoga: 5 Ways Including A Cat in Your Yoga Practice Benefits Your Mental Health","coverUrl":"jrbariwsee7h8jjwqv1m.jpg","slug":"cat-yoga-benefits","content":{"text":"Don’t laugh! We’re for real.\\nIf you’re not a cat person, are allergic to cats, or have a traumatic experience with felines, you can skip this article altogether. We totally understand!\\nHowever, whether you love cats or not, we’ve discovered some really interesting stuff about how including cats in your yoga practice benefits your mental and emotional health. Plus, cats themselves are way more therapeutic than people give them credit for!\\nWhile animal yoga – like goat yoga and horse yoga – seems to be a hot trend, we’re wary of buying into novelties where the actual practice of yoga is overshadowed by animals that may or may not cause injury.\\nAs a matter of fact, cat yoga isn’t just good for you. It’s good for your cat too!\\nHere’s what we’ve discovered about this up and coming trend and how cat yoga is beneficial for you both.\\n\\n\\n1. Cats positively affect your psychological health\\nAccording to \\nHealthline\\n, cat owners already tend to have lower stress levels, lower resting heart rates, and are happier. Cats are also naturally calming, which carries over to their human counterparts.\\nThat being said, cats also enjoy bonding with their owners just as much as the owners do with them. And bonding with animals is notoriously good for mental health.\\nWhy?\\nSeveral reasons. Animals don’t judge us, talk down to us or talk negatively about us. They generally only require basic needs. And obviously, physical touching, petting, and snuggling releases feel good chemicals in both cat and human. Also, cats tend to be very independent creatures, which makes them low maintenance.\\nCats, in particular, also offer a natural source of healing in their purr. Purring releases endorphins in the cat, and studies have shown that the frequency of a cat’s purr actually contributes to physical healing in humans.\\nNow, combine the benefits of owning a cat with an activity like yoga (which also improves psychological health), and you get a double dose of endorphins! Plus, you and your cat get the benefits that come from physical activity.\\n2. Cats prioritize self-care.\\nWhile many animals are very efficient at self-care, cats are especially in tune with their basic needs. They can also be a good reminder for us to prioritize our self-care.\\nWe’ve discussed a cat’s purr, but did you know that the frequency of their purr contributes to the growth and repair of their bones and muscles? Super cool! They also lick their fur not just to clean themselves, but to regulate body temperature and distribute the oils in their skin.\\nWe’re not saying you should start purring or stop showering, but the way cats move and stretch is also a part of their selfcare. \\nAnd that’s something they can remind us to do that we’re capable of! Plus, if you hadn’t noticed, there are at least several yoga poses who’s name is derived from cats.\\nYoga is definitely a form of self care and, as it turns out, is even more beneficial to your physical, mental, and emotional health when you incorporate your furbaby friends!\\n3. Cat yoga gets you out of your comfort zone.\\nSometimes, what affects our mental health the most isn’t the stressful situations (or days), the anxiety-ridden moments, or the emotional rollercoaster of life.\\nIt’s the mundane.\\nExcessive boredom or repeated, boring tasks negatively affect the brain. \\nStudies show\\n that people who have high levels of boredom or don’t step out of their comfort zone and change up their daily routine suffer from higher levels of depression and anxiety.\\nAs a matter of fact, boredom is actually detectable in brain activity on an EEG.\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we have a hard time ever getting bored with our yoga routine because there is such a huge variety of classes offered by so many different, amazing instructors. But we also don’t mind saying that cat yoga would definitely be outside of our comfort zone...in a good way!\\nUnlike other forms of animal yoga, cat yoga is still very safe, joyful, and fun!\\n\\n\\n4. Cats naturally fit into a yoga practice.\\nCats are constantly practicing yoga! \\nThey are not only intuitive comforters, cats are top-notch yogis. And they love stretching and moving in ways that we mere humans (for the most part) can’t.\\nBecause yoga is an exercise that focuses on self awareness and bringing harmony to your inner and outer self, it makes sense that incorporating your already extremely self aware and flexible furry friends into your yoga practice will come naturally. \\nIf you’ve already practiced yoga around your cat, you may have noticed that he or she sticks around during your practice...maybe in ways that you don’t want, but still. Your furry friend is there.\\nThat’s because cats intuitively recognize the calming effects yoga has on humans. They also recognize the movements. \\nCats are very intelligent animals. You may think involving your feline friend in your yoga practice will be stressful, but the truth is, the exact opposite is true!\\n5. Cats and yoga encourage us to slow down.\\nCats are experts at meditation. It’s true!\\nThey are very good at being mindful, and they tend to really enjoy life. Domestic cats can usually be found sitting or lying around watching the world go by, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells \\nor\\n they’re playing, stretching, or running around.\\nTry meditating with your cat. You’ll probably find that your feline friend sits or lays right next to you as you spend time taming your thoughts.\\nCats are also great at regulating their breath!\\nIf you haven’t heard it from us already, breath is life. And yogic breathing is excellent for physical, mental, and emotional wellness. It reduces anxiety and depression, invigorates the mind and spirit, and literally brings life back to your body and soul.\\nCats are very adept at breathing deeply and smoothly. And you’ll find that if you gently lay your hand on your kitty while you’re meditating, you’ll breathe right along with them. \\nSlowing down is an important part of mental wellness. Incorporating cat yoga into your routine will bring awareness to the very important practice of slowing down.\\n\\n\\nWhile we don’t offer cat yoga at MyYogaTeacher, we do offer over 35+ different types of yoga classes that are not only challenging, but fun! \\nGet your 2-week free trial here\\n if you haven’t already tried us out and discover the benefits of yoga!\\nSee you there!\\n\n\n"},"createdAt":"2021-10-20T17:52:16.501962+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga","mental_health"]},{"title":"How Yoga Helps Alzheimer’s Disease Patients Live a Better Life","coverUrl":"v5aad52ayhuvpwcv68dn.jpg","slug":"yoga-for-alzheimers","content":{"text":"There are a lot of things in this world that are incurable. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s disease is one of them. \\nIf you’ve ever known someone with this horrible disease, you’ll understand how hard it is to sit by and watch as that person’s mental, physical, and emotional health decline. After all, there is only so much anyone can do to help, right?\\nCaregivers also suffer tremendously, even medical staff caregivers who are trained to work with Alzheimer’s patients. \\nHere at My Yoga Teacher, we believe yoga helps everyone.\\nIf you’ve read other articles of ours, you’ve probably heard that before. That’s because it’s true. \\nYoga for Alzheimer’s disease patients is a perfect way to keep their mind active. It helps keep their body from deteriorating so rapidly, and it improves their quality of life.\\nWe’re sure some of our MYT members have experience with someone in their life having this horrible disease. \\nSo we wanted to talk about how yoga can help!\\nMeditation for Alzheimer’s patients\\nMeditation has a reputation for improving cognitive function in people from all walks of life. Science says so.\\nBut how does meditation help Alzheimer’s patients when the very things they struggle with – memory and focus – are such an integral part of most meditative practices?\\nFirst and foremost, we should mention that, according to research, your lifestyle and stress levels are the two biggest contributing factors of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s also a proven fact that meditation helps lower stress levels and improve lifestyle.\\nAlzheimer’s patients benefit from meditation because it:\n\\nReduces their stress levels. Alzheimer’s patients get very stressed at different stages of their disease progression. Also, caregivers’ stress impacts both the caregiver and the patient. Meditation can be vital to helping with these issues!\\nReduces cortisol levels and inflammation, which is a result of high stress levels and causes other illnesses and disease in the body.\\nImproves focus, concentration, and cognition. Meditation helps Alzheimer’s patients hold onto as much memory and brain function as they can for as long as they can.\\nIncreases blood flow to the brain, which helps general brain function and memory. Meditation also engages different parts of the brain, which helps it form new connections.\\nMany researchers have concluded that meditation for Alzheimer’s patients is proven to slow the progression of this terrible disease! Not only that, but the benefits of meditation for Alzheimer’s patients far exceed just helping them with their disease. It can drastically improve their life.\\nBenefits of Yoga for Alzheimer’s Patients\\nThere are many different types of yoga classes for Alzheimer’s patients. That’s because almost all forms of yoga help restore cognitive function. Not just for these patients but for anyone who suffers from dementia, traumatic brain injury, or any other disease that affects the cognitive abilities of the brain.\\nWe won’t go over specific yoga poses for dementia here, but we will talk about all the benefits of yoga for Alzheimer’s patients and some specific types of yoga that are best for them.\\nSo, besides the fact that almost every yoga class ends (or \\nshould \\nend) with a short or long meditation, meditation is an inclusive and integral part of the yoga practice itself.\\nAutomatic bonus to practicing yoga, right?!\\nHere are some other ways yoga benefits Alzheimer’s patients:\\n1. Similar to meditation, yoga sequences help people suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s make better connections due to improved neuroplasticity in the brain.\\nYoga helps Alzheimer’s patients combat and prevent the physical deterioration of their bodies that is a direct result of their disease, which helps them live longer, healthier, happier lives.\\nYoga is an activity that patients and caregivers can do together, reducing the stress of the caregiver \\nand\\n the patient. Plus, doing yoga together promotes bonding and trust between patient and caregiver.\\nYoga improves mood, awareness, focus, concentration, and generally gives an overall feeling of happiness. All benefits that Alzheimer’s patients specifically can use!\\nWhen we learn new skills, our brain’s ability to rebuild connections increases due to neuroplasticity.\\nNeuroplasticity is, in layman's terms, the ability for the brain to rewire itself. Without this specific ability, the brain would be unable to develop from infancy through adulthood. \\nYoga and meditation may, in fact, be an integral part of reversing early onset Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. And we at My Yoga Teacher want you to have access to as much yoga and meditation as your heart desires. If you haven’t checked us out yet, \\nget your 2-week free trial here \\nand experience the huge variety of yoga classes offered on our platform, taught by expert and highly experienced yoga teachers from the birthplace of yoga, India!\\nIn the meantime, let’s explore some specific types of yoga most helpful for Alzheimer’s patients.\\nBest Types of Yoga for Alzheimer’s Patients\\nWhile My Yoga Teacher doesn’t offer a yoga class for Alzheimer’s patients \\nyet\\n, we do offer several other yoga classes that fit the bill! As a matter of fact, these types of yoga classes are perfect for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, seniors, and people who have problems in their knees and hips.\\nLet’s take a look!\\nChair Yoga\\nChair yoga is perfect for people who have dementia, problems with stability, arthritis, or injuries. If you’re interested in an in-depth look at how chair yoga can benefit you or a loved one, check out an article one of our instructors wrote about it! You can find \\nChair Yoga: Accessible, Gentle, and Great for Every Body here!\\n\\nYin Yoga\\nYin yoga is a restorative, passive form of yoga that includes holding poses and stretches for longer periods of time. It’s a slow, meditative practice well suited for people with Alzheimer’s dementia, injuries, older athletes, or people who generally have a lot of stiffness.\\nHatha Yoga\\nHatha yoga is what most people think of when they think of yoga. How fast each class goes is up to the instructor, but you will find that most hatha yoga classes are active, but fairly slow paced. Hatha yoga is not considered a restorative form of yoga but is great for seniors who are still active and somewhat physically fit.\\nThere are just so many ways yoga and meditation benefit Alzheimer’s patients! Better mood, better sleep, improved memory, awareness, balance, physical health. \\nYoga provides this population of people in particular with a better quality of life.\\nWhile scientists haven’t found a way yet to cure this terrible disease, we can at least make life easier for those who have it by introducing them to yoga and meditation and encouraging them to begin or continue a regular yoga practice!\\nWe’d love to see you or your loved one on the mat! Our instructors truly do care about the wellbeing of their students. They aren’t just instructors. They’re friends. We encourage you to \\ngrab your 2-week free trial of My Yoga Teacher here \\nand see for yourself!\\nNamaste.\\n"},"createdAt":"2021-09-23T15:48:17.194387+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga","mental_health"]},{"title":"Healing for First Responders: How Yoga Helps Them Navigate Life Better","coverUrl":"ohsommfkjvr9qdvpagmc.jpg","slug":"yoga-for-first-responders","content":{"text":"First responders deserve all the awards and accolades we could possibly give them.\\nIf we took all the trophies from all the Oscars combined and gave them to first responders, it wouldn’t even begin to represent the respect, love, and support they deserve. And it certainly wouldn’t make up for how often these amazing superhumans are taken for granted.\\nFirefighters, 911 dispatchers, EMT’s, paramedics, and law enforcement officers. They’re all on the frontlines for us. Every day.\\nAn estimated 30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression, compared to 20% for the general population.\\nThe mental health resources needed to help first responders process the trauma they see and experience on a daily basis are almost nonexistent.\\nThis is why a regular yoga practice is so important for these superheroes. \\nIf you haven’t checked out one of our recent posts on \\nHow Yoga Saves Lives\\n, you may want to read about our thoughts on the healthcare worker crisis in America and across the world right now.\\nBecause for first responders to keep doing what they do best, they need resources to help them navigate their life better, similar to healthcare workers.\\nHere’s how yoga can help these specific helpers!\\nYoga helps first responders handle personal turmoil better.\\nThe on-the-job experiences of first responders is largely responsible for their personal turmoil.\\nAs discussed previously, firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers, and police officers are all highly susceptible to PTSD, anxiety, depression, and are more likely to have substance abuse problems or commit suicide.\\nAs such, first responders may exhibit erratic behaviors, sudden onset of rage. They may startle more easily than civilians. They may be subject to more nightmares, sleep disturbances, and they may not be able to control their emotions well in their personal lives.\\nYoga for first responders is medicine for their weary souls.\\nHere are some facts about yoga that make it a perfect resource and tool for first responders:\\nIt only takes 3 minutes\\n of mindful breath work to calm the nervous system down after a triggering event, which makes it a perfect tool for first responders to use on the go or when they’re short on time.\\nYoga teaches you how to breathe\\n in a way that helps your body stop the production of cortisol and adrenaline, two things that are very unhealthy in large doses but prevalent in first responders.\\nYoga and meditation has been proven\\n to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and symptoms of PTSD.\\nStretching with awareness\\n relieves not only physical tension in the body but emotional and mental tension.\\nA first responder’s job often affects their personal life, their relationships with others, and their connection to their inner self. Because first responders tend to compartmentalize their work life and what they see and experience on the job (versus processing it), all of that trauma often overwhelms them.\\nWe definitely recommend regular meditation and breathwork for this group of amazing humans.\\nYoga helps first responders with the physical side effects of their job.\\nAs we’ve discussed in previous posts, this particular group of people use their bodies \\na lot\\n. They are sitting, standing, crawling, running, twisting, lifting, squatting. Often while carrying heavy equipment. \\nTheir job puts a lot of strain on their joints, muscles, and frame.\\nFirefighters, in particular, tend to suffer injury from their job, often in ways people don’t see. Like in their lungs.\\nWhile they do wear masks, firefighters are obviously exposed to smoke and air particle debris more than any other type of first responder, and definitely more than a civilian.\\nA regular yoga practice not only helps first responders stretch, strengthen, and tone their muscles so their bodies can move in all the ways they need it to, the breathwork included in almost every yoga practice helps improve lung function.\\nBecause yoga is so versatile and adaptable, breathwork and meditation (and even some yoga poses) can be done lying down in bed!\\nIn as little as 10 minutes, you can bring more awareness, calm, and harmony to your inner and outer self so that you can function better throughout the day. This kind of convenience is a huge deal for first responders!\\nStarting out their day in a healthy state of mind with a body that is limber prevents mental and physical injury, whether they’re at work or not. Yoga is just an amazing way to start your day and a regular practice for first responders helps them process their world in a healthier way.\\nWhich means better relationships with others and more inner peace. \\nRegular mindful breathwork also:\\nIncreases stamina\\nImproves shortness of breath\\nBuilds endurance\\nIncreases muscle strength\\nImproves digestion\\nThe healthier first responders can keep their bodies, the better! \\nWhy first responders should seriously consider a regular yoga practice\\nThis sounds like it should be a blog post all it’s own. But we definitely wanted to stress the importance of a regular yoga practice for first responders.\\nAnd many times there are misconceptions about yoga that lead people to believe that it won’t work for them, or rather that yoga “isn’t for them.” \\nThe truth is, yoga is for everyone, but \\nespecially \\nfor people in high risk, adrenaline pumping jobs like first responders. So here are 5 reasons why they should seriously consider integrating a regular yoga practice into their routine.\\nYoga helps people make better gut decisions in intense situations where there may not be a lot of time to consider the pros and cons. Yogis rely on their all-knowing intuition more.\\nYoga increases people’s ability to focus and problem-solve, two important aspects of a first responder’s life!\\nBreathwork and meditation is simple and effective. It can even be performed in between calls, in a car or truck, and makes a huge difference in your mental health.\\nYoga is multifunctional. It doesn’t just strengthen, lengthen, and tone your body. It helps prevent injury, builds resilience, enhances mental and physical performance, and reduces stress.\\nPeople who practice yoga actually experience positive biological changes such as reduced markers for disease, reduced overall inflammation, and reversal of the onset of diseases.\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we offer a huge variety of of yoga classes and \\nworkshops\\n for people from all walks of life, all shapes, sizes, and abilities. Not only that, but all our classes are taught live and virtually (and at all times of day and night) so you can experience them from wherever in the world you may be!\\nAdditionally, our classes are taught by experienced expert instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India. And they all truly care about your health and wellbeing. If you haven’t jumped on the My Yoga Teacher bandwagon yet, we would love to have you! \\nGet your 2-week free trial here and join us!\\n"},"createdAt":"2021-09-10T16:37:50.582066+00:00","author":{"name":"will","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga","fitness","anxiety","mental_health"]},{"title":"Practice Yoga for Stress and Anxiety Relief","coverUrl":"yoga_for_stress_and_anxiety.jpg","slug":"yoga-for-stress-and-anxiety","content":{"text":"We've all experienced stress and anxiety at some point. It's a natural, human response to stressful situations and can even save us from danger. Sometimes, it can go deeper than that and become a full-blown anxiety disorder that disrupts our lives.\\n\\nMy class, \\nYoga for Stress and Anxiety\\n can help!\\n\\nYoga for Stress and Anxiety: The Research\\nSince the 1970s, researchers have been looking into stress-reduction techniques and tools. Meditation is one such technique that you hear a lot about, but yoga as a whole practice hasn't gotten the same level of attention until recent decades.\\n\\nAccording to researchers at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, a new study from August 2020 found that yoga was significantly more effective for generalized anxiety disorder than simple education on stress management.\\n\\nAnother study from the Ilam University of Medical Sciences (February 2018) found that yoga plays an effective part in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. The study went on to conclude that yoga can be used as complementary medicine for these conditions.\\n\\nYet another study from The Center for Health Behavior Research at the University of Mississippi (2011) found that yoga offers a host of benefits: enhanced muscular strength and body flexibility, improved respiratory and cardiovascular function, recovery from and treatment of addiction, reduction in stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, improved sleep patterns, and enhanced overall well-being and quality of life.\\n\\nIf you're not using yoga for stress and anxiety management, now's a great time to start. \\nSign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n and get access to my class as well as more than 35 other live, online yoga courses every single day.\\n\\nWhat Do Stress and Anxiety Look Like?\\n\\nStress and anxiety can look and feel different for different people. For some, it might be a feeling like waiting for the other shoe to drop. For others, it might be all-consuming. Here are some of the symptoms that typically signal stress and anxiety:\\nPersistent feelings of uneasiness, panic, and fear\\nMuscle tension\\nHeart palpitations or a rapid heartbeat\\nDifficulty sleeping\\nIrritability\\nConstricted breathing\\nCold, sweaty palms\\nRumination on unhelpful, negative thoughts\\nIf your feelings of stress and anxiety are keeping you from living your life, we recommend talking to your doctor about treatment options. But don't forget to practice your yoga!\\n\\nAlleviating Stress and Anxiety Through Yoga\\nOur bodies are pretty miraculous, especially with the body's ability to heal itself. Of course, stress and anxiety can drastically reduce that healing. Fortunately, yoga can help us bring calm, peace, and stillness back into our lives.\\n\\nYoga helps to modulate stress response systems, reducing the stress and anxiety we feel. And, yoga can even help us respond to stress more easily.\\n\\nWe recommend a complete yoga practice that includes more than just asanas. In addition to poses and movement (asanas), you'll want to incorporate \\npranayamas (breathing techniques)\\n, meditation, and yoga philosophy.\\n\\nYoga Practices to Alleviate Stress and Anxiety\\n\\nIn this section, we're going to talk about specific asanas, pranayamas, meditations, and mudras that will help you ease stress and anxiety with yoga. While you can absolutely practice this on your own, I would love to have you join my Yoga for Stress and Anxiety class on myYogaTeacher. You can \\nsign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n and not only get access to my class but access to 35+ other live, online group classes every single day.\\n\\nYoga Poses\\nThere are several yoga poses that can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Here's a short sequence that you can practice at any time. Start seated in a comfortable position and move through the poses as feels comfortable and soothing for you.\\nSeated neck rolls\\nMarjariasana (cat pose)\\nBalasana (child's pose)\\nAdho Mukha Shvanasana (downward-facing dog pose)\\nUttanasana (standing forward bend)\\nVrikshasana (tree pose)\\nJanu Shirasasana (one-legged seated forward bend)\\nPaschimottanasana (two-legged seated forward bend)\\nSetu Bandha Sarvangasana (bridge pose)\\nSarvangasana (shoulder stand)\\nMatsyasana (fish pose)\\nDhanurasana (bow pose)\\nSavasana (corpse pose)\\nPranayama (Breathing)\\nBreathing is a powerful tool for combating stress and anxiety. Here are a few different breathing exercises you can try when you feel stress or anxiety creeping up:\\nDeep breathing\\nNadi Shodhan Pranayama (alternate nostril breathing)\\nBhastrika Pranayama (bellows breathing)\\nUjjayi Pranayama (ocean breathing)\\nBhramari Pranayama (bee breathing)\\nMeditation\\nMeditation helps you calm yourself, grounding you and producing feelings of stability. There are several different types of meditation to choose from, but research has shown that mindful meditations are great for reducing stress and anxiety. Here's a mindful meditation that walks you through progressive relaxation:\\nFind a quiet place where you won't be disturbed and make yourself comfortable. Close your eyes.\\nStarting with your head, tense the muscles in your face and scalp. Hold this as you inhale for a count of eight.\\nOn the exhale, relax your face completely. Unclench your jaw, relax your forehead and eyes, let everything just fall away. Repeat this clenching and relaxing until your face feels completely relaxed.\\nRepeat this process down your entire body: neck, shoulders, chest, abdomen, right arm, right forearm, right hand, left arm, left forearm, left hand, buttocks, right leg, lower right leg, right foot, left leg, left foot.\\nIf you're short on time, you can focus on just your four main muscle groups.\\n\\nMudras\\nMudras can also help you combat stress and anxiety.\\n\\nA mudra is a symbolic or ritual gesture done with the hands and used in combination with Pranayama. They activate our body's potential for healing and growth, stimulating different parts of the body to improve the flow of energy.\\n\\nHere are five mudras I recommend for stress and anxiety:\\nGyan Mudra: Join the tips of your index fingers and thumbs with the other fingers outstretched and together in a relaxed position.\\nAgni Shakti Mudra: Touch all four fingers on each hand to the palms of the same hand (almost in a fist shape). Then, join the tips of the thumbs together.\\nKalesvara Mudra: Bring the tips of the middle fingers together and the first and middle joints of the index fingers together. Then, bring the thumbs together, creating a heart shape, and gently curl the rest of the fingers in. Connect the thumbs to the sternum and reach your elbows out to the side.\\nApan Vayu Mudra: Fold the index fingers to touch the tip to the base of the thumb. Then, bring the tips of the middle and ring fingers to the tips of the thumbs. The pinky finger stays straight and points outward.\\nUttarabodhi Mudra: Interlock the fingers of both hands together and keep the thumbs and index fingers extended and touching. Point the tips of extended index fingers up and the thumbs down.\\nWrapping Up\\nThere's a lot of research that indicates yoga is a wonderful way to reduce stress and anxiety. But we're all different. If you have stress or anxiety that is debilitating, please be sure to reach out to your doctor.\\n\\nIt's also possible that yoga can reveal strong feelings and emotions that you've been suppressing. Practice yoga in a place that makes you feel safe and secure. And don't forget to \\nsign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n so you can join my next class!"},"createdAt":"2021-04-13T11:58:36.28949+00:00","author":{"name":"Rohan","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["therapy","mental_health"]},{"title":"How Yoga Helps You Handle Trying Times in the New Year","coverUrl":"omid-armin-a5EbQpl-IHw-unsplash.jpg","slug":"how-yoga-helps-in-trying-times","content":{"text":"It’s inevitable. Whether it’s a global pandemic or a flat tire on your way to an important meeting, tough times happen.\\n\\nAnxiety is real.\\n\\nAnd with stress and anxiety come bad decisions, terrible focus, high blood pressure, and increased cortisol levels. None of which are good. That’s why we wanted to talk to you about how yoga can help when times are just plain tough.\\n\\nSince the chaos of COVID erupted, many yoga studios across America have closed and been replaced with yoga classes online. Some are free yoga classes. Some are not.\\n\\nWith \\nmyYogaTeacher\\n, you can try our classes and awesome yoga instructors for two weeks free! We give you the opportunity to learn yoga live. None of that pre-recorded nonsense.\\n\\nAnd we can’t stress enough the benefits of yoga during all of life’s trials and tribulations.\\n\\nDitch the flight or fight response to stress this New Year\n\\nYou’ve felt it before. That gut reaction to a quick onset of stress. \\n\\nSomething crazy happened in your life and you’re either ready for battle or running for the hills. A regular yoga practice encourages a reduction in the naturally exaggerated responses to stress. \\n\\nIn this day and age, just the thought of being around a group of people at the grocery store is enough to make your heart race and your palms sweat. That’s exactly why so many yoga studios are offering online yoga classes like myYogaTeacher.\\n\\nBecause we want you to experience the benefits of yoga in a space that you feel safe. A space where we can focus on you. Not the rest of the world.\\n\\n Less stress and anxiety means:\\nLower blood pressure\\nMore and better mental focus and clarity\\nBetter immunity\\nReduced cortisol levels\\nLess sensitive to physical pain\\n\\nThe pandemic isn’t the only crisis in America. There are many. But one of the most important is mental health. \\n\\nDepression, anxiety, and stress contribute to extremely poor mental health. And with all the current pandemic restrictions, depression and anxiety are at an all time high, country-wide.\\n\\nFor many people with mental health issues and high levels of stress, learning yoga live from their home may be an appealing way to manage their symptoms. \\n\\nThere is growing evidence that a regular yoga practice is a low-risk, high reward approach to overall health. And isn’t that what everyone strives for in the New Year? Better health?\\n\\nWe think so.\\n\\nSpeaking of better health…\\n\\nHard times call for healthier bodies\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nMany gyms are still closed. Or if they’re not, they have limited capacity and many restrictions. Equipment that people relied on for gentle, yet effective exercise is either inaccessible or germy. Classes that people flocked to are no longer allowed.\\n\\nThere are plenty of free online yoga classes available nowadays. Heck, YouTube is chock full of all kinds of different types of exercise routines. Virtual yoga classes allow you to continue or start a yoga practice in the comfort of your own home or safe space and are an excellent outlet for stress relief during challenging times.\\n\\nIt’s always important to keep the endorphins going and your immune system boosted, especially when times are tough. \\n\\nYoga is one of the best ways to do just that. A gentle way to safely strengthen, tone, and stretch your body. \\n\\nIf trying times are getting the best of you, you might want to hit the mat and give yoga a try, if you haven’t already. MyYogaTeacher offers free online yoga classes for all levels of yogis with a \\ntwo week trial\\n! Novice to advanced.\\n\\nWhether weight loss is your goal in the New Year or you’ve just got to land that super hard asana that you were working on pre-pandemic, we’ve got a live yoga class for that.\\n\\nEnjoy the physical benefits of yoga such as:\\n\\nIncreased muscle strength\\nReduced back, knee, and joint pain\\nBetter balance and coordination\\nIncreased flexibility\\nMore energy and focus\\nBetter digestion\\nIncreased circulation\\n\\nAnd yoga \\njust feels good\\n. You’ll notice a difference in your mind and body after just one class! We promise!\\n\\nBut we can’t talk about the benefits of yoga without at least mentioning ...ahem, spirituality.\\n\\nGet in touch with your spiritual side during times of trial\\n\\n\\n\\nNow we’re not here to get all woo woo with you. \\nYoga is for everyone, spiritual or religious or not.\\n\\nBut one of the primary goals of yoga is to maintain harmony between your inner and outer self! \\n\\nBreathing through hard asanas (poses) can help you breathe your way through difficult times. Pushing yourself to do stretches without comparing yourself to someone else can help you let go of situations that you can’t control. Becoming more physically flexible and strong helps you to be more flexible and strong mentally.\\n\\nWorking on yourself by yourself through yoga classes online is empowering.\\n\\nYoga helps you live more in the moment and become self aware. A better connection with yourself will help you respond better to stressful situations.\\n\\nA crazy, chaotic mind becomes calmer.\\n\\nInner peace shines outward.\\n\\nSelf-compassion turns into empathy and compassion for others. And that’s always a good thing.\\n\\n\\n\\nAre you starting your New Year out in a struggle?\\n It’s understandable. Just because the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve doesn’t mean all your problems and worries disappear. \\n\\nBut you can handle tough situations with more ease, grace, and better health than you did last year.\\n MyYogaTeacher offers free yoga online as well as a paid membership with perks like 1:1 and unlimited group class all taught by highly experienced and expert yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India. We even have specialized workshops that address unique health issues! Go ahead and scoop up your FREE two-week trial and try out our multitude of live yoga classes!\\n\\nWhat do you have to lose (besides stress and anxiety)?\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-12-29T14:25:45.875724+00:00","author":{"name":"My Yoga Teacher","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["fitness","mental_health"]},{"title":"How I went from anxiety and depression to peace and joy!","coverUrl":"Will-cover.jpg","slug":"how-i-went-from-anxiety-and-depression-to-peace-and-joy","content":{"text":"Hi!To start, you should know what brought me to myYogaTeacher. Why I actually care about our service to you, your experience and most importantly your results.\\n\\nYou see, I'm not a natural yogi. I'm not all Zen and infinite positivity.\\n\\nI'm an engineer. I have an analytical, 1000 mph mind full of scientific facts and equations. Logical solutions to every speed-bump and challenge.\\n\\nI used to subcontract for NASA. I'd fly around to different bases, run structural analysis on new masts, sensors and solar arrays we'd be sending into orbit.\\n\\nBasically, I had a lucrative career that my friends admired. My family was proud and my life looked great.\\n\\nBut inside. Inside I was a mess... I was angry, anxious, mildly-depressed, and most of all, Unhappy!\\n\\nI mean, I had a lot of pleasure-happiness - the kind of skin-deep happiness you get from nice clothes, trips to Tahoe and Vegas, and Sunday brunch with friends.\\n\\nBut nothing real and deep. Not the happiness that touches your heart and makes you spontaneously grateful.\\n\\nThe best part of my week was drinking with my friends on the weekend. And when drinking is the best part of your life, you know something's wrong.\\n\\nI needed to make big changes.\\n\\nI needed to find the answer to one big question. \"How can I be happy, stop living in anxiety, and start living MY life?\"\\n\\nI had no idea how to answer that question. But I knew I wouldn't find it sitting at my desk running computer simulations of shuttle launch conditions.\\n\\nSo I did the only thing I could think of, something crazy and irrational in my friend's eyes. Stupid in my parent's eyes!\\n\\nI quit my job and left the US to travel and do some \"soul-searching\". ... crazy right? Right.\\n\\nWell just like everyone predicted, I was lost in the world. I was looking for something as vague as deep-happiness and less anxiety. And I was drinking and partying more than ever.\\n\\nI mean, I was having more fun than ever before in my entire life. Going on adventures, riding camels through Indian deserts, river-rafting in Thailand, seeing Halong Bay in Vietnam and the magical pillar-like islands jetting hundreds of feet out of the crystal-blue water.\\n\\nBUT... and this is a big 'but'.\\n\\nAs soon as I slowed down. As soon as I stopped for just one minute... I felt so dissatisfied, so anxious, and more unhappy than ever.\\n\\nIt was hopeless!\\n\\nI couldn't go back to a life of desk-work. Where every soul-sucking minute still haunted my nightmares. But I wasn't finding any real change by just wandering the world going on adventures either.\\n\\nI always succeeded in school and work. But in life, I had just proven myself an epic failure. I was crushed... desperate.\\n\\nThen, by sheer chance, I ended up in a Buddhist \\nmeditation\\n retreat in Dharmashala, India - McLeod Ganj where the Tibetan government in exile is.\\n\\nThat was the beginning of HUGE changes for me. I started meditating daily and reading tons of books about Buddhism, meditation, compassion, yoga, eastern philosophy.\\n\\nAnd you know what?\\n\\nPretty soon... I was right back where I started. Same patterns, same dissatisfaction, same everything.\\n\\nBut I had hope, I had a glimpse of real happiness and peace. Something stable that comes from inside - rather than running on overdrive trying to get the outside to be 'just right'!\\n\\nFor a while, things went back and forth for me. Making positive changes in my life, meditating, practicing yoga, reading ancient wisdom. Then drinking, partying, feeling lost in life, anxious and mildly-depressed.\\n\\nThat's when the real breakthrough happened. I found a place where I could \\npractice yoga\\n and meditation. A retreat center in Mexico, in a little beach town on the Pacific Coast.\\n\\nThere were teachers there to help me stay on track, to answer my questions, to motivate and inspire me. People to help guide my practice so that I could actually LIVE the glimpse I had found in India.\\n\\nWith this personal attention, immediate feedback and guidance, I started stabilizing in peace, joy and fulfillment.\\n\\nCan you guess what the biggest change was?\\n\\nI realized, I didn't need to run away from my old life, society, or anything like that to be happy.\\n\\nYou always hear things like \"happiness comes from within\" - but it's kind of pointless to know that - and not live it!\\n\\nSo now, I'm working with myYogaTeacher to make that same kind of impact on others. Connecting YOU with a teacher who can give you that same guidance. The guidance I had to travel thousands of miles and live abroad to find... this is a dream come true.\\n\\nAnd I am so grateful that my work gives you the same opportunity I had. You don't have to uproot your life, wander the world, hope to stumble across a caring teacher dedicated to helping you.You get all of that delivered to you.\\n\\nSo this is what makes my work here a lot more than just a job. This is why I wake up excited to support our Members, work with our amazing teachers and our team of developers.\\n\\nI get to be part of a team making meaningful change in the world and positively impacting the lives of everyone we serve.\\n\\nThanks so much for reading all of this and I sincerely hope you enjoy (and live the benefits of) your time with myYogaTeacher.\\n\\nI've decided to start sharing some of my amazing stories of transformation, peace, health and personal development from my travels and times living in Yoga and Meditation retreat centers! So keep a lookout for emails from me \\n\\nYour friend in Peace and Joy,Will\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-06-03T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg","teacherMytSlug":"will-1"},"category":["anxiety","mental_health"]},{"title":"Got 5 Minutes? Try this 5 Sense Meditation!","coverUrl":"elijah-hiett-umfpFoKxIVg-unsplash.jpg","slug":"got-5-minutes-try-this-5-sense-meditation","content":{"text":"Having one of those days where the world feels like it is moving too fast and you can't keep up? Or maybe you are preparing for something that makes you nervous (or excited!). \\n\\nTake a few minutes and try out this groundig \\nmeditation\\n using your very own senses. \\n\\n\\n\\nCurious to learn more \\nmeditation techniques\\n? Try a meditation session with one of your teachers!\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-03-13T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg","teacherMytSlug":"will-1"},"category":["therapy","mental_health"]},{"title":"The Science of the Stress Response (and how to reign it in)","coverUrl":"eli-defaria-vCzh1jOyre8-unsplash.jpg","slug":"the-science-of-the-stress-response-and-how-to-reign-it-in","content":{"text":"How many scientific studies have backed up how relaxation can improve your health? More than we can count.\\n\\n\"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it.\"Sidney J. Harris\\n\\nBut what is relaxation? What is stress? When scientists talk about these terms they don't mean face masks and massages. They talk about the relaxation and stress response of the body.\\n\\nPhysical responses in our body create feelings of stress and relaxation.\\n\\nStress is your body’s response to what it perceives to be danger. Here’s an interesting example from Stanford Professor Richard Sapolsky.\\n\\nYou are on the safari. Out of the corner of your eye, you see a tiger licking his chops. At that moment, what do you need? You need to be RUNNING. \\n\\nYour body hears the call. It sends extra energy into your legs. Your heart pumps faster. Your brain releases a huge wave of hormones, including adrenaline.\\n\\nLuckily, you make it to safety.\\n\\nOk, imagine that you are a zebra. The same thing happens, and you make it to safety. What happens then? You shake it off and then go about your day.\\n\\nSigh.\\n\\nHumans are different. If this happened to you, you would retell the story over and over. You'd think about it the rest of the day. It might keep you up at night.\\n\\nHumans have trouble shaking things off. \\n\\nIn science terms, this is the anticipatory response. You are no longer in danger, but you still think you are.\\n\\nWe experience psychological stress.\\n\\nFor example, you are in traffic and will be late to work. Are you in danger? No. Does your body still elevate your heart rate and release stress hormones? Yes.\\n\\nThis stress response is less strong than if it was a tiger. But, the stress response uses resources. It is expensive for the body to keep up.\\n\\nYour body needs the opposite of the stress response to replace those resources.\\n\\nYou need the relaxation response.\\n\\nWhen in the relaxation response, your heart rate slows, your energy goes towards digestion and repair. Your brain releases hormones that relax your blood vessels. Your muscles let go of tension.\\n\\nTake 10 seconds to scan your body. How do you feel right now?\\n\\nIn this fast-paced world, many of us live in a low-level of the stress response all the time. We may forget what relaxation feels like.\\n\\nThis is where \\nYoga\\n comes in.\\n\\nThe practice of yoga teaches relaxation techniques. Yoga reduces muscle tension, slows your breathing and lowers your heart rate. This creates a gentle and calm feeling in the body and mind.\\n\\nYour health improves the more time you spend in the relaxation response. Studies have shown improved immune response, reduced blood pressure, better sleep and more.\\n\\nYou will experience the feeling of peace and calm both on and off your mat. That traffic jam will feel less stressful. You'll sleep better.\\n\\nYou might be thinking \"But, I am only starting. These benefits will take too much time.\" We have good news.\\n\\nThe \\nbenefits of yoga\\n are available to beginners and advanced yogis.\\n\\nA study showed that only 10 sessions of yoga created significant improvements. Only 4 weeks of yoga improved heart and lung performance in another study.\\n\\nTo truly fight back against the stress response, you have to know its opposite. You can learn how to create the relaxation response by using the centering, grounding and breathing techniques taight in yoga. These are often techniques that youcan use anywhere (includng that traffic jam!)\\n\\n\"The only joy in the world is to begin\"Cesare Pavese\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-03-02T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Jitendra","pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png","teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["therapy","mental_health"]},{"title":"Burned out - it happened to me","coverUrl":"paromita.jpeg","slug":"burned-out-it-happened-to-me","content":{"text":"Growing up, my dream was to tell stories, make people think & make a difference in the society. \\n\\nThat's how I joined the Indian Film & TV industry as a Creative Producer & Director! Well, 12 years & many disillusionments later . . . I realised that I was nowhere close to my dream. Even worse - I was completely burned out. \\n\\nMy sedentary lifestyle was killing me slowly and mentally I was on the verge of a BREAKDOWN. \\n\\nSomehow I knew - I reconnected with Yoga. One day at a time, \\nYoga\\n brought me back to myself. \\n\\nI had known Yoga for a long time, but in the last 5 years, I have sincerely dived into this 5000 year old wellness-science. It has completely changed my life. \\n\\nI am a happier, stronger & healthier person today and it's all because of Yoga. And that's exactly why I am here today - to spread the magic of Yoga & watch people transform.\\n\\nI teach & practice traditional \\nHatha Yoga\\n, Meditation, Pranayama & \\nrestorative yoga\\n. I am also an ardent animal lover, nature warrior, amateur manadala maker & trekker.\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-02-20T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Paromita","pictureUrl":"paromita-pro.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"paromita-1"},"category":["therapy","mental_health"]},{"title":"Yoga brought me back to life","coverUrl":"DSC_0447.jpg","slug":"yoga-brought-me-back-to-life","content":{"text":"In 2011, I left my corporate IT job and I began to explore a different kind of life. I tried entrepreneurship, making an NGO, and many other things. After a few experiments, there came a spiral of downtime in my life and I was left broke on many fronts - financially, emotionally, physically. I couldn’t see much light ahead. Thankfully, I had tried exploring spiritually before so I began a few spiritual courses related to yoga.\\n\\nAnd I started improving. With this motivation, I decided to do an eleven-day silent \\nmeditation\\n course called\\n Vipassana\\n. And that proved to be a boon in my life and my savior. I regained my mental peace, my direction and a hope to keep moving ahead. \\n\\nIt removed me from my bad habits and I started taking care of my physical aspect of being. \\n\\nSeeing what Yoga had given me, I thought of taking it as a profession. I completed my training and certification in yoga from Sri, Sri School of Yoga. I am an advance Sri Yoga certified professional and QCI Level -2 certified Yoga professional from the government of India. \\n\\nLike my learning yoga journey, my teaching yoga journey has been a wonderful and blissful experience so far. I have met so many people from across the world, some beginners, some advanced and some real yogis. They each have taught me something about life and my learning continues. \\n\\nI have healed myself, cleansed myself, transformed myself with \\nYoga\\n and I want to spread the goodness of yoga as far and wide as I can.\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-01-20T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Prakash","pictureUrl":"vihnq8enbbdyhd6kt13c.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"prakash-1"},"category":["mental_health"]},{"title":"My Anxiety and Breath","coverUrl":"namrata-k-cover.jpeg","slug":"my-anxiety-and-breath","content":{"text":"Yoga help me breathe. \\n\\nIt's very strange to realize that there is a negative pattern of breathing. Who would breathe in a wrong pattern!? I had not realized how the pattern of my breathing was impacting my health. \\n\\n\\nI was extremely weak and anxious most of the time but this deep level of finally understanding my pattern of breath helped me. I was able to get out of my anxiety problem (which was completely subconscious). I know it sounds to good to be true, but it really did work wonders! \\n\\nBecause of how helpful this was for me, I wanted to dive deep and explore the roots of yoga. I completed my Master's in \\nYoga Therapy\\n. I learned how each and every cell of the body needs rejuvenation from breath for a peaceful flow of blood. This changes inner mechanisms and with consistent practice, Yoga helped me greatly. I was able to sleep better and I had an internal calmness that I had not experienced before. \\n\\n\\nToday I stand very strong with my mind and body with a good rejuvenation of breath. I want to focus on helping other people understand and experience the true essence of \\nYoga\\n and how it creates \\ninternal peace\\n. I want to share my knowledge and help bring awareness to each and every individual's life.\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-01-09T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Namrata Khandelwal","pictureUrl":"namrata-k-pro.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"namrata-2"},"category":["anxiety","mental_health"]},{"title":"Afternoon Slump? Recharge your whole body in 10 minutes","coverUrl":"mark-zamora-x0a7bo1qodu-unsplash.jpg","slug":"afternoon-slump-recharge-your-whole-body-in-10-minutes","content":{"text":"Reset your nervous system, clear out unnecessary thoughts, and get back to a balanced state with this 10-minute yoga sequence.\\n\\nLooking for a routine guaranteed to bring your energy back? Book a free session with one of our experienced teachers to help design the routine perfect for you. \\nNot signed up? Click here to take advantage of 5 free sessions now (supplies limited).\\n\\n\\nEasy Reset \\nYoga Routine\\n\\n\\nForward Fold\\n\\n\\nSeated Twist\\n\\n\\nSide Bend\\n\\n\\nLegs Up The Wall\\n\\n\\nChild's Pose\\n\\nForward- FoldPlace your feet about 3 feet apart. Exhale bring your arms and torso down into a forward fold. You can place your hands on the floor, a block, or even on a chair.Take 5 deep breaths. Come back to the starting position with an inhale.Seated TwistWhile seated, place one hand behind you and the other on the opposite knee. Take five breaths, reaching the top of the head towards the ceiling. On an exhale, return to center and repeat on the other side. Side-bendInhale lift both arms up, and if you like, interlace the finger and flip the palms to the ceiling. Exhale and reach your palms towards the to the side. Inhale to come back to center and repeat on other side.Legs Up the WallEasy peasy. Bring both legs up a wall and extend the arms outward. Take at least 10 breaths, or more if you're enjoying it!Child's PoseFrom a kneeling position, exhale and bring your forehead to the floor. Relax the hips towards to the heels and extend the arms in front of you. Hang out for as long as you like. \\n\\nHeadphones on! \\n\\nWant a guided experience by one of our expert teachers? Check out this relaxing sequence by Aparna! Ready to book a session? \\nClick here to take advantage of 5 free sessions now\\n (supplies limited).\\n\\n\\n"},"createdAt":"2019-12-15T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Amanda","pictureUrl":"amanda-pro.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"amanda-1"},"category":["fitness","mental_health"]}],"categories":[{"name":"Fitness","value":"fitness","display":"fitness"},{"name":"Therapy","value":"therapy","display":"therapy"},{"name":"Yoga","value":"yoga","display":"yoga"},{"name":"Anxiety","value":"anxiety","display":"anxiety"},{"name":"Pain Management","value":"pain_management","display":"pain management"},{"name":"Mental Health","value":"mental_health","display":"mental health"},{"name":"Emotional Health","value":"emotional_health","display":"emotional health"},{"name":"Weight Loss","value":"weight_loss","display":"weight loss"},{"name":"Meditation","value":"meditation","display":"meditation"},{"name":"Restorative","value":"restorative","display":"restorative"},{"name":"Yoga Teacher Training","value":"yoga_teacher_training","display":"yoga teacher training"},{"name":"Workshops","value":"workshops","display":"workshops"},{"name":"Yoga Poses","value":"yoga_poses","display":"yoga poses"},{"name":"MyYogaTeacher","value":"myYogaTeacher","display":"myyogateacher"}],"search":"","category":"mental_health","pageTitle":"Mental Health","schema_category":"Mental Health"}