There are so many things to celebrate at this time of year. 
We get to go indoors after the endless activity of summer, there are holidays galore, and everything has an air of new beginnings as we settle into a different routine. However, the humidity and chill in the air can also bring on colds and flus, and we seem to sometimes be surrounded by sick people.
It becomes especially important right now to pay attention to your own health and work towards supporting your immune system naturally so that your body is strong enough to fight the bugs off before they take over.
Here are a few very effective things you can do right now:
-Reduce sugar consumption. Even small amounts of sugar have been shown to significantly impair white blood cell (the soldiers of our immune system) function, thereby suppressing our immune system’s ability to keep infections at bay. Slow down on sweets, opt for whole wheat breads and pastas, and cut back on pop as one of the most proactive ways to support a healthy and strong immune system.
-Use immune boosting herbs. Although not the tastiest of remedies, herbs such as Echinacea, goldenseal, and oil of oregano support your body’s natural immune system in doing its best to defend against invaders; they can be taken preventatively or at the slightest hint of impending sickness. A diet high in garlic and ginger has a similar effect.
-Practice yoga. Stress wreaks havoc on our immune systems, as does a sedentary lifestyle, so a regular yoga practice is serving up a health double whammy by giving your body a form of moderate exercise as well as an effective stress relief technique. Of course, if yoga is not already a part of your workplace wellness programs, get in touch with us to see how it can be.
-Do the things we all know we are supposed to do anyway. Wash your hands often with regular soap; anti-bacterial soaps in fact encourage resistant strains of bacteria and don’t give your immune system the chance to get strong. Drink lots of water. Get plenty of rest. Moms have been telling us to do these things for millennia for a reason – they work. Take good care of yourself this winter so that you are free to enjoy all the gifts it has to offer.
Marie Simpson
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. Between November 15th and December 15th, we're offering Laughter Yoga in the Workplace sessions with one of our certified Laughter Yoga teachers in all of our areas - Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Lower Mainland and Kamloops, BC.
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
THIS MONTH'S WORKPLACE RECIPE:
Yam Gingerbread Muffins
Ingredients:
1/4 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup unsulfured molasses
1/2 cup unrefined cane sugar or brown sugar
1 cup mashed cooked yam or winter squash
2 eggs
1/2 cup plain yogurt (up to 2/3 cup if your squash/yams are on the dry side)
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
3/4 cup spelt flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tsp fresh grated)
1/4 ground cloves
Options: 1/3 cup chopped candied ginger, pineapple, dates or raisins.
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 400F. Grease muffins tins.
2. In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the melted butter, molasses, sugar, cooked yams/squash, eggs and yogurt.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices.
Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Fold together until just combined. If adding any dried ginger or fruit stir in at the end.
4. Spoon batter into prepared muffin tins.
5.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, until they are nicely browned and a toothpick comes out clean.
Note: To roast yams heat the oven to 350F, poke the yams a few times here and there with a fork. Bake on a cookie sheet lined with parchment until soft, about an hour. Slice them open, let them cool and then take off the skins.
Source:http://thebountyhunter.ca/recipes/gingerbread-yam-muffins
CLIENT PROFILE OF THE MONTH:
General Paint
Where: Vancouver, BC
Client for: 10 months
Classes: All Levels Hatha Yoga 2x/week
ICY: Why does your group do Corporate Yoga?
GP: To increase flexibility, assist with general ‘aches/pains’ or stress an office job generally entails, and for increased overall fitness. To bring everyone together who are at different fitness levels. To get fit and de-stress in an easy way. To get together with coworkers outside of the office environment.
ICY: What is your favorite part of our Corporate Yoga classes?
GP: Is “Savasana” the wrong answer?? Truly, I am amazed at what I have learned – understanding how the body works in conjunction with each muscle group, the importance of the breath, feet positioning, hip and pelvis positioning. You name it, I have learned it, and I take with me, back to my desk, my home, and on my travels. I honestly have enjoyed learning how to “take better care of myself” with the help of incorporating yoga into my life. It’s been a blessing.
I like doing the core work and the balancing poses.
Individual attention. Also, trying to fit in classes in the evenings and weekends is difficult. By the time I have finished my commute and the full day of work, it takes a lot of self discipline to fit enough exercise into a week. This way, it comes to me. It also relieves stress.
Learning yoga in a comfortable environment. The slow and understanding way that Terri teaches the class.
ICY: What benefits do you notice from participating in these classes, both for the staff, as well as your organization?
GP: An overall increased level of energy, optimism, patience and rejuvenation. Personally speaking, I have found that after doing yoga, my mood is elevated, my body is relaxed and I have more peace of mind.I find that everyone knows what their bodies are capable of and are less afraid of trying new things. I think it builds camaraderie between coworkers who come from all different departments. I enjoy the friendly approach our teacher takes with the class. She teaches in a way that it works for all levels of fitness. I think it brings coworkers together.
ICY: Would you recommend our programs to other businesses? Why?
GP:
YES! Since doing yoga at work on our lunch hour, I have noticed an increased amount of flexibility, lessened back, neck, shoulder and hip pain/strain. This program and working with our instructor Terri (who is the BEST!) has allowed me to understand my strengths, weaknesses, and increase my ability to achieve more and more with each class. I am reaping the benefits of this program and am telling everyone I know that it truly is the best gift you can give yourself. Yes, it’s a great way to spend a lunch hour and you get to know your coworkers. Fitness of staff; team building; de-stress workers. I definitely would! It lets people get to know each other in an out-of-office way and allows people to get fit at work. Just love it!
OCTOBER'S HEALTHY WORKPLACE POSE
Legs up the Wall
BENEFITS
Relieves tired or cramped legs or feet, gently stretches back of legs, front of torso and neck, relieves mild backache, helps lymphatic fluid circulate through the body, helps improve varicose veins and helps with insomnia, depression and anxiety.
Can induce sleepiness when done in the evening.
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Remove your shoes and socks if possible.
Step 2: Sit on the floor with either your left or right hip flush to the wall, legs straight. As you lie down on your back, straighten your legs up the wall and press your buttocks as close to the wall as you can. If needed, lie on a yoga mat, blanket or towel for extra cushioning.
Step 3: Place your arms at a 45 degree angle away from your body, palms facing upward.
Step 4: Close your eyes and completely relax, sinking into the floor. Stay here for as long as it feels comfortable.
Variation: If you have enough wall space, while in this position, open your legs widely apart into a "V" shape. This will stretch your inner thighs and groin area.
NEWS & VIEWS
Yoga Journal's Office Yoga: Destress at Your Desk - More info
Maximize your Workplace Wellness Program - More info
Yoga 101: What to Wear - More info
Downward Dog Yoga & Active Wear - in Kamloops, BC - More info
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.
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