Since this blog is not just about health, fitness, my random musings, but also learning how to reduce stress and anxiety.
This past week I decided to finally take a formal yoga class. I've been on a yoga hiatus for 6 months? maybe longer. With moving from the studio I usually went to, along with a tighter budget not being able to afford a yoga studio and gym membership, I stopped practicing. Then, perhaps as a sign, I received an email with a coupon for a free class at my old yoga studio since it was my anniversary from first going there. I went to a power vinyasa class which focuses on vigorous flows of movements in a hot room.
It always is hard coming back after a hiatus because it takes me longer to get into my happy space when I'm anxious about how much yoga strength I've lost and poses that are more challenging than they used to be. Still could get into a crows pose and full wheel so booyah :) Those last minutes of savasana are worth the whole class. I'm so zoned out in the pose and finally have quieted my mind just laying there.
By the end of class I was more relaxed and at peace than I'd been in a while. So much so that I was startled when the instructor came to press my shoulders down. I'm glad I attended the class and will try to make a yoga once a week now, especially as I up my running miles in the next few months :)
It always is hard coming back after a hiatus because it takes me longer to get into my happy space when I'm anxious about how much yoga strength I've lost and poses that are more challenging than they used to be. Still could get into a crows pose and full wheel so booyah :) Those last minutes of savasana are worth the whole class. I'm so zoned out in the pose and finally have quieted my mind just laying there.
By the end of class I was more relaxed and at peace than I'd been in a while. So much so that I was startled when the instructor came to press my shoulders down. I'm glad I attended the class and will try to make a yoga once a week now, especially as I up my running miles in the next few months :)
Something else relaxing is a bit more indulgent and less healthy, but totally necessary after a day like today. Stayed late at work, didn't really get to eat lunch, and had to walk home in the pouring rain to boot. So I pulled out a Justin's Nut Butter Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup pack I impulsively picked up at Target last week. Yes it's candy, but at least it's organic and GMO free.
It's ingredients, from the website are below:
Ingredients: Organic Dark Chocolate (Organic Evaporated Cane Sugar, Organic Chocolate Liquor*, Organic Cocoa Butter*, Organic Soy Lecithin, Organic Vanilla), Organic Peanut Butter (Organic Dry Roasted Peanuts, Organic Palm Fruit Oil), Organic Evaporated Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Vanilla Flavor, Sea Salt.
Not bad for a treat in my book. And it really hit the spot. Chocolate keeps me sane, especially after a pretty clean eats day and nice run this morning. I'm trying to be less hard on myself and practice some deep breathing. Remember breathe deeply, smile, everything is okay :)