Stress Management


25
Oct 11

Antigravity yoga can be an effective method of stress management for teens

Yoga makes some enthusiasts so happy that they may feel lighter than air while coming home from a Houston yoga class. For other individuals, this sensation may be true in a more literal sense. According to an article in USA Today, one variation on the holistic Eastern regimen involves suspending participants from the ceiling in silk hammocks that allow them to optimize the strengthening and flexibility-enhancing qualities of the program.

Known as "antigravity" yoga, the classes are suitable for those who are adventurous. Broadway aerial choreographer Christopher Harrison, who was once a world-class gymnastics specialist, designed the program as a way to challenge yoga enthusiasts.

"It's almost this thing that happens when you're inside, and it lets you close out the rest of the world and be still," Harrison told the news source.

During antigravity yoga classes, students are lifted into hammocks that act as swings or trapezes. These sturdy silk contraptions can hold up to 2,000 pounds and allow participants to hang upside down.

Such a variation on the tranquil art of yoga can be a great method of stress management for teens or, indeed, for people of any age.


19
Oct 11

Stress management techniques like yoga are popular among celebrities

Glance at any magazine in the supermarket checkout line and you're bound to find numerous celebrity fads for diet and fitness. However, stress management techniques like yoga may be trendy, but they are certainly not included in this group.

Why? Because many scientific studies have emerged to reveal the significant health benefits associated with this holistic mind-body exercise. The regimen is meant to enhance multiple aspects of one's health all at once, including the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. This is one of the reasons why Texas yoga classes are so popular.

According to the Edmonton Journal, instructor Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa – who has taught yoga to the likes of Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and David Duchovny – travels 240 days a year to help introduce beginners to the program's breathing exercises, poses and stretches.

"I don't do it for fame. I don't do it for fortune," Khalsa told the news source. "I don't do it just for celebrities. I don't care who's in the audience or who the people are. I do it for service and for health."

She added that the reward of yoga lies in the sensation of feeling better about oneself, thereby boosting one's fitness and confidence simultaneously. 


27
Sep 11

Yoga can be a great addition to a stress management program

Do you toss and turn every night, worrying about the things you'll have to do the next day? Do you dread waking up in the morning because of all the responsibilities awaiting you at work? If so, you are not alone. Millions of Americans lead hectic lifestyles that cause a significant amount of tension and anxiety. If your daily schedule is packed with personal and professional duties, you may benefit from a stress management program that includes yoga.

The holistic Eastern regimen has enabled countless individuals to achieve a better work life balance, as well as feel more centered and grounded. This may be why Texas yoga classes are so popular among people who are feeling stressed out in the Lone Star State.

As with any other exercise program, however, starting slow is a major key to success. A recent article in FitSugar reported that those who are looking to start engaging in yoga should explore their options before diving in. This is particularly important if they are want to attend a hot yoga class, since this variety involves 105-degree Fahrenheit temperatures that may take a little getting used to.

Beginners should ask family, friends and co-workers for recommendations as to what class or instructor may be best suited to their needs. Bringing a big bottle of water is always a good idea, since staying hydrated is an important way to keep the body functioning properly. Drinking plenty of fluids can help you concentrate on deriving the maximum health benefits from the breathing exercises, poses and stretches.

What you wear is also important. Some people who are new to yoga may assume that purchasing tight, expensive attire is more conducive to successfully engaging in the maneuvers, but loose-fitting apparel is best. According to FitSugar, yoga instructors advise enthusiasts to wear soft, comfortable shirts and pants that will allow their skin to breathe.


22
Sep 11

Stress management activities like yoga can help strengthen marriages

Having a happy, healthy marriage is all about love and understanding – plus exercise, according to a popular CNN article. Woman's Day Magazine and AOL Living collaborated on a poll that showed that although most couples hit rough patches over the course of a relationship, the majority of them expect to be together for the rest of their lives. Several studies and experts suggest that engaging in physical activity can go a long way toward ensuring the success of a romantic partnership.

Here are a few ways in which lovebirds can stay fit and lay the foundation for a marriage that may endure any hardship life throws in its path.

1. Stay active. According to a 2007 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the chances that an individual will become obese increase by 37 percent if they have a spouse who becomes obese. Having a long marriage depends on the well-being of both partners, so it's a good idea for couples to schedule exercise dates in order to ward off chronic disease. Engaging in the relaxation techniques of yoga can help husbands and wives shed pounds and strengthen their bodies.

2. Be flexible and resilient to life changes. Marrying someone means promising that one will be there through thick and thin, and the years ahead will almost certainly bring many obstacles to test a couple's fortitude. Dealing with the anxiety and pressure of having children or allocating household duties can be done by engaging in stress management activities like yoga.

3. Spend time together. Whether or not kids are in the picture, it's important for a husband and wife to have alone time. Talking things over and laughing together are vital ways to strengthen a marriage. Taking a walk, making a delicious home-cooked meal or doing a little yoga together can help increase the feeling of unity between spouses.


30
May 11

Discover the beauty of Panama City

Sometimes one of the best tactics for stress management is to simply take a vacation. Those who are suffering under the weight of their everyday responsibilities may want to consider a beach destination for their next trip, as the tropical atmosphere and natural landscape may help calm nerves and anxiety. If Central America is in the cards, tourists should check out Panama City.

Located along the Panama Canal, the city features a glorious stretch of land known as Soberania National Park. Because it is a predominantly untouched area, it can only be accessed via aerial tram. After touching down in the park, travelers will notice the Gamboa Rainforest's intriguing biodiversity. Another area great for exploring local wildlife is the banks of Gatun Lake.

Panama City is also known for its cultural wealth, and visitors can discover why when they head to Panama Viejo, or the "old town." The historic settlement is home to a number of museums, ancient monuments, churches and much more. Some places to check out include the Embera Indian Village, which is where Panama's indigenous population resides, and the National Museum of Anthropology, which gives tourists a look into the lives of native people.


5
May 11

Explore Chichen Itza in Mexico

Part of stress management is being able to put things in perspective, which allows for a better balance between one's home, work and personal lives. When taking a trip, earning about ancient history can help one appreciate his or her life today, as it is easy to forget that the world has not always existed in its current form. Those who are looking for an international experience should head to Mexico to explore Chichen Itza, a city filled with astounding architecture.

Chichen Itza is an icon in pre-Columbian architecture in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is a popular tourist attraction, as the city was once the heart of the Mayan Empire and home to a range of fascinating landmarks like the Pyramid of Kukulcan. This tall temple features steps that go all the way to the tip of the pyramid, where tourists can find a sweeping view of the entire city.

The Great Ballcourt is another interesting place to see – it is where athletes and warriors played and fought in public spectacles.

UNESCO deemed Chichen Itza a World Heritage Site in 1988.


18
Apr 11

How to deal with disappointment in the workplace

Dealing with disappointment in the workplace is a crucial part of succeeding in the business world.

Even the happiest of workers will encounter some form of disappointment in their job every now and again. This can take the form of being passed up for a promotion, receiving a poor review or being left off an important project.

However, being able to overcome one's disappointment and continue to work hard is essential in the modern workplace.

Often those who are disappointed at something that happened at work can retreat to within themselves, becoming moody and closed off. Rather than doing this, workers may want to consider looking at themselves and seeing what they can improve in their performance to make sure that they are not overlooked in the future. 

Focusing on one's own personal development is often a good way to overcome disappointment. However, in some situations it can be beneficial to get outside of one's self and speak directly with the person who caused his or her disappointment.

Speaking frankly with superiors about why they were not considered for a higher position or the like can demonstrate that they are committed to being the best employee they can be.