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What Seniors Need to Know About Improving Their Quality of Life
What Seniors Need to Know About Improving Their Quality of Life
Between a decline in mobility, death, illness, and simply coping with getting older, it’s not uncommon for seniors to become depressed — in fact, depression peaks in the elderly. Overall, nearly 322 million people from around the world suffer from depression.
 
Signs of depression include loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy, reduced energy levels, change in appetite, and different sleeping patterns. It’s important that you take control of your physical and mental health in order to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling lifestyle in your golden years. Here’s how to get started.
 
Get Moving
 
As the saying goes, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” That is why exercise is important for people of all ages. However, statistics indicate that only one in four seniors between the ages of 65 and 74 exercises regularly. Physical activity can help the elderly improve muscle strength, reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack, improve bone density, reduce the risk of developing dementia, prevent or delay a variety of chronic diseases, increase self-confidence and independence, and improve one’s mood, thus fighting off depression. Walking, weight training, swimming, and yoga are all great activities for seniors, but make sure you check with a doctor beforehand.
 
Make It Easier to Eat Healthfully
 
With age comes changes in metabolism, digestive system, and eating habits, so it’s important that you strive for a healthy, balanced diet. If mobility or health issues make it difficult to get groceries or prepare a nutritious meal, prevent gravitating toward a poor diet of convenience foods by using a grocer and/or meal delivery service. Speak to your doctor or nutritionist about what foods you should be eating and make a list for yourself to follow. Consider taking one day out of the week to pre-prepare some meals for the freezer and prep snacks and other meals by prepping the ingredients — don’t be afraid to institute the help of a loved one.
 
Build a Strong Social Network
 
Staying social is one of the keys to fighting depression, yet sometimes it takes an effort to get yourself out there. Some ways to remain engaged include joining a senior center to take part in activities, clubs, classes, and day trips for little or no charge; taking an adult continuing education course at a university; taking a senior vacation with an organized group; signing up for a senior sports league; volunteering; and finding a new hobby — or rediscovering an old one. Even though many seniors can be tech-phobic, research suggests that social media is actually a great way for you to stay in touch with friends, join groups where you can engage in conversation or friendly debate, and improve relationships with children and grandchildren.
 
Create a Sleeping Plan
 
Make it easier to get shuteye by creating a sleeping plan. For example, go to bed and wake up at the same time every day — even on weekends; avoid mid-day or evening naps; avoid electronics at least one hour before bedtime; finish dinner at least three hours before bed; avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugar late in the day; and keep your bedroom clutter-free and make sure bedding and the mattress are comfortable.
 
Get a Pet
 
Research indicates that owning a pet can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, reduce depression, and lessen loneliness. Just make sure you’re ready to take care of an animal, so consider your state of health, financial status, and temperament before making a final decision. Next, research the type of breed you’d be comfortable with — an animal that isn’t overly rambunctious and anxious is a better choice for the elderly.
 
Lifestyle changes alone aren’t the golden tickets to health and happiness. It’s important that you go to the doctor regularly — especially if you’re feeling sad or sick. Statistics show that loneliness can keep seniors away from the doctor, so don’t let your negative emotions get the best of you. When you feel better in body and mind, your spirit will feel better, too.
 
Photo Credit: Pixabay

5/18/2022 0 Comments

How to Get the Most Out of Your Yoga and Wellness Practice

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Photo via Pexels
How to Get the Most Out of Your Yoga and Wellness Practice
Yoga offers numerous benefits, from improving strength and flexibility to providing relief from stress and mental fatigue. Every time you roll out the mat is a unique experience. Some sessions will feel more fulfilling than others, and at times, you may feel like you could be getting more out of your practice. But how? Check out the following tips to take your yoga practice to the next level and maximize the benefits of this rewarding mind-body exercise.
 
Why Practice Yoga?
 
Are you new to yoga? Understanding how yoga can benefit you specifically can help you get the most out of your practice. People practice yoga for a wide range of reasons. Perhaps you’re looking for an outlet for stress, a way to calm your mind before bed, a solution for stiff muscles, a low-impact strength routine, or an exercise in mindfulness.
 
Think about what you’re struggling with the most and consider how yoga may help. For example, if you’re dealing with excessive work stress, yoga can help reduce your stress to a level that’s healthier and more manageable.
 
Be Present
 
It’s easy to let your mind wander when you’re following along with a guided yoga practice. However, you’ll get more out of your yoga sessions if you can be present and focus your attention inwards. Chopra.com explains that a big part of yoga is learning how to be aware of what’s going on in your mind and body. Come up with a mantra that you can repeat to yourself during your yoga practice—and anytime in your daily life—to bring your awareness back to the present when you notice your attention is somewhere else.
 
Move Between Poses with Intention
 
How you move between yoga poses is just as important as the pose itself. During flowing transitions, it’s easier to create a deep and consistent breathing pattern that enables you to move with your breath instead of working against it. For example, you’ll have an easier time breathing deeply if you inhale during an upward dog and exhale as you transition to a downward dog. Moving between poses with intention can also help you build strength, make impactful adjustments to your alignment, and prepare your body to get the most out of each pose.
 
Attend Classes and Try New Styles
 
Do you feel like your practice has reached a plateau? If you’re not sure how to grow your practice, sign up for a yoga class in a new style or with a new teacher. According to Mind Body Green, there are at least 11 major styles of yoga. Kundalini yoga, for example, involves fast-moving postures, specific breath exercises, and spiritual elements like chanting and singing. Yoga styles differ by nature, but you’ll also find variations on each style depending on who is teaching it, so you should always have something new to explore!
 
If you’re looking for a new place to practice yoga, you can register for classes at Serenity Now Yoga. Visit our website to see what we have to offer.
 
Take Your Practice Off the Mat
 
The intentions you set during your yoga practice can translate to all other areas of your life as well. Finding ways to take your practice off the mat can help you extend the mind-body benefits of your practice beyond the length of an individual session. For example, you can practice mindfulness in your daily life in the same way you practice internal awareness during a yoga session. Similarly, you can employ the breath to help calm your nervous system whenever you encounter stress out in the world. As you go about your day, think about how you can take different yoga principles and apply them to the rest of your life.
 
Whether you’re brand new to yoga or you consider yourself a seasoned expert, there are always things you can do to enhance your practice. Try new yoga styles, practice mindfulness, and set intentions that will help you get more out of each movement. Yoga is more than just a series of posture
s!
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