There are multiple natural and healthy tools we can have in our tool belt to help us navigate during challenging times or simply to keep us grounded on a daily. Eating a healthy balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, getting quality sleep, journaling, meditation, having kind and loving relationships, regularly spending time outdoors and exercising are all fantastic examples of tools we may want to include. For me, yoga has been one of the best tools that I have developed over the years.

I was first introduced to yoga in my early 20s at my Belly Dance class. We would do yoga at the beginning of class to warm our bodies up for dancing. A few years later, a home-schooling Mamma on my road opened a yoga studio at her home and I began to regularly attend those classes also. Yoga does something for me that no other type of movement (like dancing or working out at the gym) does. It slows me down. I feel more connected to my breath, my body and the world around me. I suffer from anxiety and depression. During my teens and early 20s it was really severe. I had some very dark days and at times toxic coping strategies. The thing about mental health issues is they are never really ‘cured’. It’s always there playing in the background. But what you can do, is develop some healthy tools to have in your tool belt. So that when a challenging emotion or situation arises you have the tools to move through it. And you know that even though life feels tough at that moment that you will be ok. Practising yoga helps one to relax so that the body and mind gain a sense of calm and ease.

Yoga is an art of movement, postures, alignment, breathing, connection, and meditation. Yoga enhances your intuitive ability because you begin to connect to all parts of your mind and body. I am on my yoga mat every day. But the kinds of postures and pace of the movement really depends on where I am at in my cycle. During my Inner Spring (Follicular Phase) and Inner Summer (Ovulation Phase) I focus on strength. I work on my abs, legs, arms, shoulders and inversions. But once I get to Inner Autumn (Luteal Phase) my energy levels are much lower, so I begin to practise a gentler yin style of yoga. Slowly stretching and holding postures for a longer duration. This feels good for me as a woman because I am always getting the benefits of yoga while honouring my own natural cycle.

A consistent yoga routine quietens the monkey mind, increases mental and physical energy. Yoga helps release positive hormones like dopamine to make you feel happier and boost a positive mindset. Breathwork, yoga postures, and relaxation are essential to let go of the energy blocks and tension we suffer daily. Emotions like anger, fear, guilt, and sadness can contribute to imbalances in our bodies, and eventually manifest as dis-ease. This could look like digestive issues, aches and pains, or getting a cold or flu. Through a consistent yoga practice, we learn how to regulate the stress response and build resilience. Life is always going to have its challenges, but having the ability to bring a sense of calm to the mind and body at will is a game-changer!

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