with insomnia, when he made walking a priority after an incapacitating back injury. “Walking is synchronized motion and induces meditative brain waves,” says Kim, who teaches others how to walk for better physical and mental health.
Oxygen is Key
Do You Need Answers? Are You Lacking Hope? If you are dealing with any ongoing health issue that doesn’t seem to be getting any better, I can help. I can help you heal by locating the source of your body’s stress, rather than just masking symptoms. With 33 years in practice, I specialize in:
The more oxygen the brain receives, the lower the levels of cortisol that trigger racing thoughts. Other forms of moderate aerobic exercise involving cardio machines, spinning, cross-country skiing, swimming and dancing are also beneficial ways to increase oxy-Box 421 Emmaus, PA 18049 • P: 610-421-4443 • F: 610-421-4445 Stiff Sore Joints, Headache, LVEditor@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com • www.NaturalAwakeningsMag.c gen intake. Chicago fitness expert Stephanie Mansour explains, Heartburn/Reflux, Gas Pain/ “Improving circulation helps to increase the body’s energy during Bloating, Constipation/Diarrhea, Ad Proof for Natural Awakenings the day and helps you wind down at night.” Anxiety/Irritability, Restlessness/Insomnia, It’s a common misconception that rushing through the day To: P: 610-421-4443 Depression, Fibromyalgia is the same as engaging in exercise. Mansour elaborates: “ExercisEmail: F: 610-421-4445 ing is different than just being busy or working outside, because it’s a time where you connect your mind, body and breath. You’re proof and for complete Call me today your the following information: forced to be present. It’s difficult to think about your to-do list Please sign your (Ad is shown at actual size. See second page for larger ads.) FREE Phone Consultation when you’re physically engaged.” Together, let’s discuss your health concerns and According to Sleep.org, just 10 minutes of regular aerobic determine what a customized, conservative and activity anytime improves sleep quality significantly. Plus, it abates Ad is approved: contact information and spelling is correct affordable healing program can do for you! the likelihood of sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome that sedenJeffrey L. Griffin, DC Ad is approved with changes indicated tary lifestyles can cause or exacerbate.
Cultivating Calm
Restorative yoga instructor Naima Merella, manager of Studio 34, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, says, “We’re not taught to value rest, and conditions like feeling overwhelmed and insomnia are the result. Most people in our culture suffer from an overactive fight-or-flight response, so engaging our parasympathetic nervous system, or relaxation response, can balance this.” Merella advocates yoga, breath work and certain qigong exercises. “One option is to do a more active yoga practice to burn off excess nervous energy, and then end with restorative poses to engage the relaxation response. It all depends on a person’s schedule and what they’re able to do. Ideally, I would suggest doing at least 30 minutes of restorative yoga and breath work before bed, but even a few minutes of a restorative pose or breathing technique can be helpful. I’ve found the kundalini yoga meditation, Shabad Kriya, most helpful for sleeping.” Renowned yogi Janice Gates, of Marin County, California, also advises physical practice, as well as understanding the foundational teachings. “It’s important to remember that you’re not your anxiety. It’s easy to identify with suffering and conditions that cause it. Yoga supports us to be free of that conditioning. Keep in mind that an issue can be more mental at times and more physiological at other times, so we want to address both with asanas early in the day to balance the nervous system and mindful breathing at bedtime.” Whichever form of exercise we choose, we should be gentle with ourselves. As Merella reminds us, “The best thing we can do is send ourselves compassion and love.”
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Marlaina Donato is a freelance writer, author and multimedia artist. Connect at MarlainaDonato.com. July 2018
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