Release, Relax and Restore your core with Nimbleback
As anxiety and back pain continue to spike across North America, doctors are prescribing self-care through some form of yoga or meditation practice. This is why I started practicing yoga 17 years ago.
Tension from stress, whether it’s emotional or physical, builds up as we encounter challenges in life, such as work, relationships, money and even the constant buzz of technology. Life can be overwhelming, and painful. In order to help find balance, we need to release this tension.
How would you feel if you missed your yoga or meditation class?
Probably not great. But the joy of yoga and meditation is that you can do it anytime and anywhere. Your practice is your practice. It's your breath and your movement that releases the tension in your mind and your body.
When I miss my practice I feel pain in my back, shoulders, neck and jaw. Yoga has been a great release to relax my body and restore my mind. It helps me focus, be more productive and take on the world.
Release can come in many ways.
Get moving. We all know that sitting is the new smoking! A simple walking meditation or a run can help release tension after a long day. While you move, concentrating on your breathing and being aware of your body movement and surroundings will help you clear your head and be in the present moment.
Let go of the past. I am a big fan of Louise Hay’s Daily Affirmation Cards. Here are 10 Powerful Affirmations that can help you try to release whatever negative energy it is that you are holding onto.
“Keep Calm and Carry On”
You’ve probably heard this expression. Your challenge: Try to live a relaxed life.
If you practice any form of yoga or meditation, you’re probably either a relaxed person, or someone who uses yoga to become a more relaxed person.
We have all had days where we couldn’t stop checking our phones. Technology is hard on our physical bodies causing postural problems, thumb strain and tired eyes. On top of that, it creates a very busy mind. Most of us don’t think we have the time to relax, especially in a world filled with notifications. But relaxation is essential for well-being.
Practicing mindfulness for 2-5 minutes every day can calm the mind and really make a difference in a day.
A few different ways I relax:
Breathe easy and relax with Pranayama, healing breath. Yoga postures and breathing exercises can seriously help achieve control of the mind and body to create tranquility within. Everyone feels anxious now and then. And because a common symptom of anxiety is shortness of breath, being able to control yours can help you relax. Inhaling some lavender essential oil can also help relax the nervous system.
Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR). This one’s new to me. It’s essentially a tingly, full-body scan through a guided series of sensations which create a relaxation experience. I love the beach, but unfortunately in Canada we only get to enjoy it for a few months each year. Now, I take my beach breaks by listening to ocean waves and envisioning myself at the beach. Check out Relax For A While, which provides an amazing visualization for stress release.
Have you ever felt drained and gone to a restorative yoga class? How did you feel afterward?
Restorative yoga is known to calm the nervous system to restore both your physical and energy core center. Chakra balancing is often incorporated into restorative yoga classes to help regulate all that you process and bring you back to a restored state of health. It helps your organ function, your immune system and your emotions.
When you are in tune with your core and are restored, you will feel energized and revived.
Whether you decide to go to a restorative yoga class once a week or find time for 5-10 minutes of yoga stretching and mindfulness in a quiet room, your practice will help you in the long run.
Here’s where Nimbleback’s The Beam comes in.
If you like using bolsters or blocks, you’ll like the way The Beam will make you feel during and after your practice.
Some compare it to the foam roller, but I like to call it the foam roller’s best friend. Let The Beam and your breath do the work, with little body movement.
I use it every day for 10-30 minutes at home to help my back pain. I like to imagine a beam of light connecting with my chakra centre.
“I usually chill on The Beam for about 10 minutes at a time. Immediately afterward, my back feels as if I’ve just had an invigorating massage or come out of a deep, back-opening yoga stretch. This has quickly become part of my wellness routine.” - Amanda Vogel, Fitness Test Drive with The Beam
The Beam is making its way to homes and yoga studios across Canada and the United States to help us all release, relax and restore.
"I introduced The Beam to my first yoga class, we played with The Beam for the entire class, and the students were impressed with their results!! We have started incorporating it into the beginning of each class to focus on opening, and everyone is commenting on how they are able to get into poses easier, and the back pain they usually feel isn't there!" - Jennie Webster, OM Sanctuary
Take some time for yourself and enjoy this online 30-minute guided restorative yoga class to see how Jennie incorporates The Beam into her yoga practice.
On March 31st - April 2nd, stop by the Nimbleback booth (1030) at the Toronto Yoga Conference to spend a few minutes with The Beam. Let it help you release, relax and restore. Click here for FREE PASSES