Overwhelmed by Winter?
Try Alternate Nostril Breathing
Winter is upon us. The air is damp and frigid, exposing a microcosmic universe of frosted surfaces and steamy air. The cries of migrating geese have long since left our ears, only to be replaced by the scrunching and squeaking of wet boots on decaying leaves.
And as the rains became heavier in the lowlands, the mountains have become sculpted in ever changing snow caps. "If only I were able to enjoy the scenery", I hear you whimper . . .
As the season changes your daily commute is getting colder and darker. There may be some days when you do not see natural light at all. And, with the exception of a glowing monitor and fluorescent lighting, you would be in the dark entirely. You may feel that the debilitating winter blues are inevitable – and it is your curse to suffer through another dark winter. Do not give up hope. There is much that can be done to allow you to enjoy this season. Aside from medical treatments and specialty lamps, your regular yoga practice can help balance your mood.
Alternate Nostril Breathing (See full instructions below) is a great practice to use during the winter. Ancient yogis believed that illness is created by disturbances in breathing. They developed this technique to balance the energetic channels of the body – which when stagnated, cause illness. Medical research also supports that this practice has a balancing effect on the functional activity of the left and right hemispheres of the brain – which aids in calming your mind and recalibrating your thought patterns. In other words, Alternate Nostril Breathing reduces stress and soothes the nervous system. There are also clinical studies showing that this technique helps you get better sleep.
As a physical practice, yoga unites you with your inner self. It helps to clear your mind and allows you to gain awareness of what is really going on. Try to develop a routine of even just a few postures and pranayama (breath exercises) every morning and evening, especially if you are feeling depressed. This will help to open your body, balance your energy channels and will allow you to be more in tune with the season.
See below for full instructions on Alternate Nostril Breathing.
Lori Schlectleitner
Administrative Assistant
Innergy Corporate Yoga Inc.
LAUGH TILL YOU CRY: IN THE BOARDROOM?
 Do you wish you could turn your workplace into a laugh fest for just one hour?
Now you can!
Release the stress of the upcoming holiday season and inject your workplace with a playful and joyous spirit using Laughter Yoga.
Bring laughter to your workplace and help create an environment free of stress and full of positivity. Learn the science behind smiling and the anatomy of breathing and laughing. Bet you can't keep a straight face!
Contact us today to book your 1-hour Laughter Yoga session at your workplace. Book early to avoid disappointment!
$149 + HST when booked between November 15-December 15
$195 + HST when booked after December 15
Includes a handout for each participant
How Laughter Works
LOOKING FOR THE HOLIDAY GIFT THAT'S FLEXIBLE?
Give the gift of a Private or Corporate Yoga Session
THIS MONTH'S WORKPLACE RECIPE:
Hot Spiced Tea
Ingredients:
Concentrate
½ tsp whole black peppercorns
3 cinnamon sticks
2 whole cloves
4 whole cardamom pods
10 slices fresh ginger
1 tsp orange zest
1 tsp lemon zest
3 cups apple juice or cider
1 cup orange juice Additional Hot water
Orange-pekoe or black tea
Method:
1. Combine the peppercorns, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom pods in a cheesecloth or tea strainer.
2. Place all concentrate ingredients into a saucepan, including the ginger and citrus peels and juice. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Cool and strain concentrate. Put in tightly sealed jar to bring to work.
To make Tea:
1. Boil water and steep tea of choice for 2 – 3 minutes in a teapot.
2. Heat ½ cup of concentrate.
3. Add volume of tea to your concentrate according to your taste preferences. Enjoy.
Source: The Food Network
CLIENT PROFILE OF THE MONTH:
KPMG
Where: Kamloops, BC
Client for: 8 months
Classes: All Levels Hatha Yoga 1x/week
ICY: Why does your group do Corporate Yoga?
KPMG: KPMG as a company encourages a balanced lifestyle. It’s so great to be able to do the class right at our office. We find it a great program to organize for the staff in an environment that can be very stressful at times.
ICY: What is your favorite part of our Corporate Yoga classes?
KPMG: When the lights are turned off, and the candles are lit and we begin the class. It's a great way to take my mind off of the day and the stresses of it. The relaxation part at the end. I love that the instructor comes to our office and the classes are priced great.
ICY: What benefits do you notice from participating in these classes, both for the staff, as well as your organization?
KPMG: I enjoy the stretching, as my back always feels quite tight from sitting all day. My ability to concentrate on my work after the class is increased. I feel that I am able to step away from my desk and computer and really focus on me.
ICY: Would you recommend our programs to other businesses? Why?
KPMG: Yes. It is a great way to get in an hour of exercise during the day. I feel refreshed and ready for the afternoon. The programs are beneficial in many ways including cost, to attract future employees, reducing stress and increasing energy. Yes, there are only positive things that can come from participating in a group yoga class! Team building as you do something different together.
NOVEMBER'S HEALTHY WORKPLACE POSE
Alternate Nostril Breathing
(Anuloma Viloma)
BENEFITS
Improves energy, calms nervous system, promotes better circulation, boosts mood, balances energy channels in the body and can help ward off illness and disease.
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Place your right hand in a spock position – thumb out, pointer and middle fingers together and ring and pinky fingers together.
Step 2: Gently place your thumb on your right nostril, closing it off. The pointer and middle fingers rest lightly at your third eye.
Step 3: Take a breath in through the left nostril - pause at full breath.
Step 4: Place your pinky and ring fingers on your left nostril – releasing your thumb, then breathe out through your right nostril – pause at empty breath.
Step 5: Breathe in through your right nostril – pause at full breath.
Step 6: Place your thumb back on your right nostril – releasing your pinky and ring finger, then breathe out of your left nostril.
Step 7: Continue breathing slowly and smoothly through each nostril alternately.
Note: Different teachings will give differing times for each breath and for how long to pause and breathe. However, the ultimate goal of this pranayama (breathing technique) is to slow and focus the mind with breath. So find a pace that works best for you. Avoid holding your breath if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure - just flow with the breath instead.
NEWS & VIEWS
Managers: Are you Supporting your Employees' Wellness Programs? - Read article
10 Ways to Create a Mentally Healthy Workplace - Read article
Yoga for Lower Back Pain - Read article
Animals Do Yoga Too - Read article
Do you want to get healthy, lose weight or have more energy? Nutritional Cleansing can help More info
Are you looking to make an extra $500-$1000 a month or more? More info
Have you found us on Facebook yet? Every day we have tips on how to stay healthy in the workplace. Come and "Like" us!
For more information on how to bring the benefits of yoga to your Vancouver, Lower Mainland or Kamloops, British Columbia workplace, click here.
|
