06/20/2023
It's amazing to see how the days and months go by so fast, where we find ourselves in a non-stop daily routine. That's why I wanted to take a break and decided to take some time for myself, leave a little bit aside the role of mom, or as I call it, "mommy taxi", social media, and get back to my routine.
I started to look for those things that I love and that I stopped doing for one reason or another and make them possible in my day to day life.
For me it starts with an early wake up, where I have time to breathe and appreciate my surroundings, with just 10 minutes of connecting with myself I start a fantastic day.
Then I make this connection again during the day, in the small breaks I have during different activities, I simply pause, take 5 deep breaths to channel all the energy and turn it into positive experiences.
That's where I see the great power of my breathing and meditation practices that help me to find myself again...
For other people, the way to reconnect may be to go for a run, walk their pet, do weights, pilates, go to the spa, etc.! What do you do for yourself? When do you take time for yourself?
03/02/2023
Long day at work?
Tired after a big hike, standing up for a long period of time or long run? Relax into Viparita Karani (Legs Up the Wall Pose) to refresh tired legs and calm your mind.
In fact, just 10 minutes of the exercise is considered helpful to calm the nervous system and lower stress and anxiety, if any. When blood circulation increases in the body, it elevates the venous drainage, relieves tension or fatigue from the legs, feet and even the hips.
Elevating a limb, especially the legs, above the heart allows the blood to circulate back to the heart without fighting gravity. The heart still pumps blood to these extremities, but the stress on the heart is reduced. This helps to mitigate swelling and brings fresh and oxygenated blood to the limbs.
Other benefits that we can explore with this pose are:
- Activates the relaxation response (parasympathetic nervous system) and
deactivates the stress response (sympathetic nervous system)
- Helps lower or regulate blood pressure
- Calms the mind (which may help alleviate anxiety symptoms)
- Can help you wind down for bed and improve sleep
- Helps alleviate tension headaches
And remember to always be mindful!
If you feel discomfort in your lower back, come out of the pose and try coming into Legs Up a Chair, which places even less pressure on your lower back. Or positioning a folded blanket under your pelvis and back makes this pose even more comfortable. Another variation would be using a band or belt to support your legs if you want to open them up a little bit wider. Just choose your preferred one and always do what feels good to your body.
Feel free to try any of these variations and enjoy!
03/01/2023
What do I love from winter?
Being someone that grew up in the tropics and hot weather, now winter had become a wonderful time of the year.
Foggy mornings, fluffy blankets, cold air and hot chocolate—there are so many things that are special about winter. Isn't it? The shorter days and longer nights, cold air and low humidity, and the quiet weather are all the things I’m enjoying during winter.
Time to reflect, pause and reunite with yourself.
But specially days like this, with a bright sun for a great start of the month, Welcome March!!!
And you, are you enjoying it?
Have a wonderful month
