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13
Feb 12

Stress relief activities for seasonal affective disorder could include yoga

People who live in New York are very familiar with the waning hours of daylight in the winter. While some take the cold darkness as a cue to cuddle up with a good book (or good company) by the fire, others fall into a sort of melancholy known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. A recent article in NYU Local offers students tips on stress relief activities to help them snap out of this condition, which can cause moodiness, lethargy, craving for carbohydrates and oversleeping.

"Now, this may sound like the slightly hyperbolic version of some of us all the time, but that’s even more reason to do something about it. And by 'something,' we mean indulge in everything this city has to offer in terms of summertime stand-ins," wrote Julia Turret.

Some researchers believe that SAD may be driven in part by a mutation that causes the eyes to be less sensitive to light, she said. So one possible solution may be to soak in as much light during waking hours as possible, including artificial light.

Yoga and other physical activities can also help alleviate the symptoms of SAD that are related to weight gain, Turret said. People who are interested in this approach should look into their local Dahn Yoga classes. The holistic healing technique can do wonders for an individual, including improvements in physical fitness, stress management and mood, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

As a bonus, Dahn yoga classes are sure to provide both a supportive community and a well-lit environment!

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10
Feb 12

Five Foods that Promote Stress Relief

If we have to summarize the quality of our lives as adults with diverse responsibilities, one word comes to mind: stressful. Today’s fast pace life has gradually molded us to make peace with the status quo, that stress is OK and largely acceptable.

We go as far as viewing people who live a stress-free life as being the outliers. Though stress can be a motivator in some instances (as it may encourage you to persevere through certain tough tasks), the vast majority of the time, stress is not acceptable, as it contributes to raising your blood pressure and weakening your immune system.

Fortunately enough, there are ways you can put a leash on your stress demons, allowing you to fully consummate the health benefits of a stress-free body environment. Yoga is one way that can help you reach this stage; food is another avenue. You certainly don’t want to eat your way through the stress and expect it to vanish; but rather, target specific foods, known to relax your arteries, and stabilize your blood pressure.

Stress and food

One of the key elements to stress relief through food, is to avoid things that give your body and mind real highs and real lows. Caffeine and alcohol are the primary culprits. You also want to stay away from stimulants and depressants. In addition, cut back on sugary snacks, as most of these snacks are loaded with empty refined sugar calories, which cause your blood sugar to spike and then fall precipitously. When your blood sugar falls, it renders you stressful.

5 foods for stress relief

There are several foods that can help lower your stress level. Below is a list of five of them.

Asparagus

If you have a stressful life, you may want to load up on asparagus. When you are stressed, your body releases hormones that affect your mood. Asparagus is high in folic acid, which helps stabilize your out-of-balance mood.

Cottage Cheese and Vitamin C

As mentioned above, one way of leveling your blood sugar is by eating foods that won’t give you real highs and real lows, such as refined sugar. Foods that are rich in protein, are not loaded with sugar. Cottage cheese is excellent in that category. For better results, mix the cottage cheese with oranges, as orange is jam-packed with vitamin C, which helps fight free radicals that are released when you are stressed.

Almonds

Next time you want to unleash your stress on something, try crunching on some almonds to get the aggression out. Almonds are a great source of vitamins B2 and E, as well as zinc and magnesium. Though almonds have a high fat content, the majority of the fat is unsaturated. Similar to vitamin C, vitamin E has also been proven to fend off free radicals associated with stress, in particular free radicals that are responsible for heart disease.

Tuna

Tuna is not just a great healthy lunch menu; it is also rich in stress-reducing vitamins such as vitamins B6 and B12. In addition, tuna is an excellent low-fat source of protein. Avoid loading up your tuna with mayonnaise, as it defeats the purpose of the low-fat element.

Milk

Milk is rich in antioxidants and vitamins B2 and B12. It is also packed with protein and calcium. Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, get in the habit of drinking low-fat milk in the morning, with whole-grain cereal, to get your day started in a stress-free manner.

Author Bio: Kodjo Hounnake is a home fitness enthusiast who believes anyone can get in great shape right at home. You do not need expensive gym equipment to achieve the silhouette of your dreams. Your body weight is sufficient enough. See the hundreds of home workout videos and healthy homemade recipes on his home fitness blog.

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9
Jan 12

Exercising stress relief in the office is an employable skill

These days, job-seekers are looking for any competitive edge. Some people are early adopters of technology, while others become fluent in different languages. Some people are even turning to yoga to bolster their job prospects. After all, being able to exercise stress relief in the office may make one an attractive hire, according to The Grindstone.

Maryanna Klatt, a researcher who studies the impact of meditation in the workplace, believes that one's perception of stress can affect job performance.

"I like to describe mindfulness as changing the way you see what's already there. It's a tool that teaches people to become aware of their options," Klatt told the news source. "If they can't change the external events in their life, they can instead change the way they view the stress, which can make a difference in how they experience their day-to-day life."

In fact, some prominent companies – including AT&T, IBM and MSN – have incorporated yoga into their wellness programs. It is estimated that for every $1 invested in such initiatives, up to $6 are saved in healthcare spending, according to the news source.

People who are interested in Dahn Yoga and stress relief should remember that this mind-body regimen doesn't just have psychological benefits. Yoga can also improve muscle strength, flexibility and body composition, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

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19
Dec 11

Yoga course to teach stress relief techniques to healthcare professionals

The wisdom behind the mind-body regimen of yoga has been handed down for millennia. In this modern age, scientists have been taking yoga more seriously, classifying the stress relief techniques and exercises as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). In studying these techniques, researchers have discovered many interesting things about yoga.

"The findings suggest that MBSR can actually alter brain structure," said psychiatrist and yoga instructor Kim Dobson, as quoted by UB Reporter. "The research shows benefits with regard to neuroplasticity for participants – that there can actually be changes structurally in the brain in areas that are related to attention, memory, empathy and mood regulation."

In the interest of sharing the benefits of yoga with people who could benefit the most, Dobson will be teaching an MBSR course for healthcare professionals in the new year, designed to help improve stress management and prevent burnout associated with the job, according to the news source from the University of Buffalo. In the past, Dobson has seen positive results from teaching yoga to adolescent males in juvenile corrections facilities.

Dobson became a yoga instructor when she learned about the scientific interest behind MBSR. Others who are interested in teaching New York yoga classes of their own are not alone. According to a report from U.S. News and World Report, there were more than 70,000 certified yoga instructors across the nation as of 2005.

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17
Nov 11

Yoga can provide natural stress relief during the holidays

The holidays can be a stressful time of year for several reasons. The weather is harsh, people visit family members they may not like, and, if one is a student, final exams are looming. However, yoga can provide natural stress relief at a time like this, according to The Crimson White.

Festivities during the holidays provide the perfect opportunity for stress eating, which will not only add on pounds, but also will not solve the stress issue, the news source said. A healthier way to cope with stress at this time of year is by attending New York yoga classes.

"No longer is it solely for the hipsters, my friends," wrote Tricia Vaughan. "Even celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Matthew McConaughey have jumped on the yoga bandwagon."

Among the health benefits of yoga are improvements in posture, breathing capability, stress management and flexibility, according to the news source.

As of 2007, more than 13 million adults in the U.S. reported practicing yoga within the previous year, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health. The agency is supporting research that studies the relationship between yoga and blood pressure, chronic low back pain, depression, HIV, multiple sclerosis, smoking cessation and other conditions.

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25
Oct 11

Yoga may provide stress relief in the office and soothe back pain

Are meetings, lunches with clients and interviews part of your daily schedule? Does your body ache after sitting at your desk for too long? If so, you may be in need of a little stress relief in the office. A relaxing regimen like yoga can be a great choice for a working professional, since the program's gentle breathing exercises, rejuvenating poses and calming stretches can be performed virtually anywhere.

While some individuals engage in yoga's tranquil maneuvers during a busy work day, others prefer to attend classes at a New York yoga studio. Choosing the right instructor can help them get the most out of the holistic mind-body system, which is meant to enhance one's physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Yoga is also commonly used as a method of pain relief. A recent article published in TIME Magazine revealed that the Eastern regimen can help ease chronic back pain. Researchers found that study subjects who did yoga on a regular basis experienced significant relief.

"More participants in the yoga and stretching groups were very satisfied with their overall care for back pain," the authors concluded, quoted by the news source. 

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6
Oct 11

Vanessa Hudgens engages in yoga exercises for stress relief

Over the years, yoga has become one of the most popular types of physical activity in the U.S. Each year, millions of people attend classes at a New York yoga studio to learn deep breathing exercises, poses and stretches. Enthusiasts report that these exercises for stress relief help enhance their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being, and help them better manage their responsibilities.

The holistic mind-body regimen originated many centuries ago in the East and is known to welcome practitioners of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels. Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston have credited yoga for their slender figures, and actresses like January Jones have been photographed leaving the studio after a session.

Recently, Just Jared published photos of High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens walking out of a yoga studio.

The 22-year-old actress carried a plum-colored yoga mat that complemented her loose-fitting navy pants and black knitted cardigan.

People from all walks of life rely on the mindfulness system to help them stay grounded and centered. Taking a few minutes out of one's day to engage in its tranquil maneuvers can be a good way to improve one's well-being and reach for one's full potential. 

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5
Oct 11

Breast cancer survivor engages in yoga for stress relief

Each year, millions of Americans engage in yoga for stress relief. The gentle Eastern regimen has helped countless individuals feel more grounded, centered and empowered. This is why it may be ideal for people who have been diagnosed with potentially stressful medical ailments ranging from chronic foot pain to breast cancer.

Recently, the Patriot Ledger reported that Trisha Bergeron, who survived the disease, underwent a double mastectomy last May. Following the procedure, she experienced severe abdominal infections due to the process of removing stomach fat to reconstruct her breasts. Not only did she feel exhausted and frightened, but she also lacked confidence.

Now, thanks to practicing yoga on a weekly basis in a class full of other cancer survivors, Bergeron has regained her old strength and self-esteem.

"I don't know if I would have been able to enjoy the moment before," she told the news source. "I'm in a happier place now because I'm living in the moment. I'm opening my heart to people and experiences. I'm just a better person for having gone through this."

Yoga has helped many breast cancer survivors achieve better quality of life through its relaxing poses, soothing stretches and gentle breathing exercises.

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27
Sep 11

Individuals looking for natural stress relief may want to turn to yoga

Just take a look around your local pharmacy and you will see shelves stocked with hundreds of medications promising to relieve stress. But what if you're looking for an all-natural way to alleviate your tension and anxiety? Instead of taking pills – which can sometimes contain ingredients that don't agree with you – why not engage in a holistic mind-body regimen like yoga? The relaxing regimen originated in Asia many centuries ago, but has since taken the Western world by storm. Nowadays, it is easy to find yoga classes at gyms, studios and other fitness facilities throughout the country.

Anyone who has participated in breathing exercises, poses and stretches at a New York yoga studio may be familiar with the myriad benefits associated with this Eastern program. The maneuvers are meant to enhance one's physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being simultaneously.

Yoga teachers across the country believe that yoga can appeal to just about anyone, regardless of age, background or skill level, according to the McKinney Courier-Gazette.

"There are so many styles and paths of yoga. There's really something for everyone," said studio owner Tracy Carruth, quoted by the news source. "The name comes from balancing the benefits of the attention to our bodies and our minds, the elevation of our soul or spirit and the connection to one's faith. Yoga creates a harmony and balance in our lives."

Yoga can be an effective method of natural stress relief that can not only improve your mood, but also strengthen your body. Choosing to engage in the relaxing exercises of the regimen can be a smart way to increase your quality of life, as well as to help you feel happier and healthier.

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19
Sep 11

Many studies link yoga and stress relief for millions of Americans

If the economic downturn has hit you hard, you're certainly not alone. Many Americans are considering cutting out their pricey gym memberships due to financial struggles. However, your fitness levels don't have to suffer just because money is tight. According to experts, finding free ways to stay healthy is easier than ever.

Shirley Archer, spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise, told Reuters Health that there are many options available to help people optimize their well-being, such as yoga classes offered in the park or at a New York yoga studio, free of charge.

Yoga and stress relief have been linked for centuries, ever since the holistic mind-body regimen originated in Asia. The program's breathing exercises, poses and stretches have helped millions of Americans stay calm and centered amid the hustle and bustle of daily life.

By looking around at community centers, schools and libraries, you can often turn up free yoga classes that may help enhance multiple aspects of well-being, including the physical, mental and emotional.

Additionally, Archer pointed out that there are many other cost-free options that people can use to stay fit.

"You can start with something as simple as walking," she said, quoted by the news source. "Public parks offer organized walking groups. Or start a walking group at your office. You want to be moving at least 150 minutes a week, but that can be broken up into 10-minute bouts."

Combining yoga with another type of exercise – such as walking, jogging or biking – can be a great way to work different muscle groups. Gathering a group of friends or co-workers to join you in physical activity can help make the process of getting healthy a fun one.

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