01
Sep 11

Yoga is a booming industry in the U.S., teaches Americans how to balance life and responsibilities

How To Balance Life

Yoga is a booming industry in the U.S., teaches Americans how to balance life and responsibilities

Yoga videos for beginners are among the best ways in which stressed Americans can learn how to balance life and work. Juggling professional and personal responsibilities on a daily basis while adhering to hectic schedules can take a serious toll on one's emotional and mental health. By adopting a gentle mind-body regimen like yoga, overworked individuals can acquire some much-needed inner peace and tranquility.

The program, which first began in Asia many centuries ago, is now a widespread activity at gyms and fitness studios across the U.S. Recently, the Wall Street Journal reported that starting up a yoga studio could be a smart financial decision for budding instructors, since revenue is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 5 percent over the next five years to $8.3 billion.

This figure takes into account the fact that yoga's popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. The holistic program features deep breathing techniques, gentle poses and calming stretches that are designed to enhance flexibility, stamina and endurance. In addition to physical benefits, many enthusiasts say that practicing yoga has enabled them to stay calmer, as well as more grounded and centered.

Watching yoga videos can be a great way to learn and perfect the maneuvers, particularly if one is new to the regimen. One of the best things about yoga is that it is flexible and can be performed virtually anywhere, from a studio to the comfort of one's home.

According to the Yoga Journal, an estimated 15.8 million Americans practice the Eastern art on a regular basis. This number amounts to about 7 percent of the entire population. Of current non-practitioners, about 18.3 million say that they would be interested in trying yoga.


22
Aug 11

Living a balanced lifestyle can be done with infertility yoga

balanced life

Living a balanced lifestyle can be done with infertility yoga

No one may know the importance of living a balanced lifestyle as well as women who are trying to conceive. Infertility can produce a significant amount of stress and anxiety, and this emotional distress can decrease physical health as well as quality of life. This, in turn, may make it even tougher for these individuals to become pregnant.

As a result, many hopeful women are turning to yoga to improve their chances of becoming mothers. Tasha Lackman is one such person, according to the Vancouver Sun. The yoga instructor, who now has a 2-year-old daughter, developed a fertility yoga workshop to share her story with other women and encourage them in their struggle to parenthood.

Since March of last year, more than 100 women have attended Lackman's sessions. The gentle breathing exercises, poses and stretches of yoga have helped them cope with the frustration of infertility.

"Whether it improves outcome is almost irrelevant to me," Lackman told the news source. "If it can make women who have lost a feeling of control over their lives feel that they have that control back, then it's win-win."

Ladies all over the country may be able to sympathize. Massachusetts residents who are looking to do yoga in Boston can scan the daily paper or fliers at the local library to find a workshop that is right for them. In the meantime, they may want to try a calming exercise such as this one:

1. Stand up straight with your feet together. Inhale slowly, stretching both arms above your head as you do so.

2. Slowly bend your torso forward until it is parallel to the floor, exhaling as you go.

3. Inhale, standing back up with your arms still extended. Repeat 15 times for maximum stress relief. 


18
Aug 11

Wondering how to live a balanced life? Try these 3 yoga tips for optimal health

how to live a balanced life

Wondering how to live a balanced life? Try these 3 yoga tips for optimal health

Whether enthusiasts choose to practice yoga in Massachusetts or elsewhere, they honor the fact that the holistic mind-body regimen originated in Asia many centuries ago. In order to celebrate the practice of yoga and encourage more people to engage in its deep breathing exercises, stretches and poses, Dahn Yoga and Health Centers is naming the Korea Meditation Tour as the August Workshop of the Month. Such classes have taught countless individuals how to live a balanced life, alleviate stress and find inner peace.

Below are a few tips on how to adopt a lifestyle that perfectly balances the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of well-being.

1. Take a moment each day to focus on breathing. We inhale and exhale every second of the day without thinking about it, but the movement of air in and out of the lungs is truly a beautiful thing. For five minutes, close your eyes and simply breathe. This can enhance your appreciation for your own body and soothe away any anxieties you might have.

2. Perform stretches to strengthen the body. Elongating the muscles is a major part of yoga, since it can help increase flexibility, stamina and endurance. Try sitting on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you. Reach out gently and touch your toes, holding for a count of 10 seconds. Return to your original position and repeat 15 times for a rejuvenating stretch that can help maintain muscle health.

3. Surround yourself with fellow yoga enthusiasts. Practicing the poses in a group can optimize your enjoyment of the relaxing regimen. Yoga practitioner Jon Etzkorn said that "it was wonderful to be with so many beautiful people with the same dream and vision to make this a better world" when he joined other attendees for a tranquil session of posing.


15
Aug 11

Yoga helps some enthusiasts balance life and work, calms others during childbirth

Yoga helps some enthusiasts balance life and work, calms others during childbirth

Yoga helps some enthusiasts balance life and work, calms others during childbirth

If you find yourself constantly striving to balance life and work, the holistic mind-body regimen of yoga may be able to help. The Eastern program's calming stretches, gentle poses and relaxing breathing exercises can enable enthusiasts to feel more tranquil and centered. Achieving peace of mind may allow them to better juggle the countless responsibilities of daily life. According to a popular CNN article currently trending, meditation may be the key to easier childbirth.

Since the mindfulness system is effective at alleviating stress, it can be useful for expectant mothers. There are many yoga videos for pregnant women available to help coach these ladies through the delivery, teaching them rejuvenating techniques that allow them to stay as relaxed as possible.

Some experts believe that meditating and deep breathing can ease the stress and pain of having a baby. Although it cannot eliminate discomfort, looking within and staying focused could make the process easier for women.

"They're in a deep, relaxed, limp state," said perinatal educator Joyce Poplar, an instructor at the Cleveland Clinic's Hillcrest Hospital, quoted by CNN. "Every single woman is imagining something different – whether it's a place in their mind, an outdoor place such as a beach scene. They're completely there in a trance-like state."

She added that the human body knows exactly to give birth to the baby, just as it knew how to grow and nourish the infant for nine months. Teaching mothers how to meditate is really about showing them how to listen to their bodies, embracing the process and letting the uterus do the work.

"The more prepared you are for labor, the more positive your outcome. Any technique that improves patients' mental focus and state of mind is a good thing," said anesthesiologist Craig Palmer, according to the news source.  


10
Aug 11

Many Americans know how to balance life with yoga and good nutrition

balance life with yoga

Many Americans know how to balance life with yoga and good nutrition

Those who know how to balance life may be among the happiest, most stable individuals. Learning how to juggle personal and professional responsibilities – as well as adhere to a strict schedule without stressing out – can ward off tension and anxiety. One way in which many people are seeking to achieve this delicate balance is through the holistic mind-body system of yoga. Adopting the deep breathing exercises, poses and stretches of yoga into a lifestyle that includes plenty of sleep and a nutritious diet could be the key to achieving optimal contentment. This may be particularly true if the diet contains plenty of soy, which can improve cardiovascular disease but may do nothing for symptoms of menopause, according to a popular CNN article.

The Eastern art of yoga welcomes enthusiasts of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels. Those who are new to the program may learn the techniques with yoga videos for beginners, while more seasoned practitioners might enjoy perfecting their form in classes led by encouraging instructors.

Relieving stress through the gentle breathing exercises, poses and stretches of the regimen can prevent depression. Combining yoga with a soy-based diet could help reduce the risk of heart disease and high cholesterol.

Soy is rich in compounds known as isoflavones, which have numerous benefits but may not help women going through menopause.

"Isoflavones, the plant-derived estrogens found in soy, are very weak estrogens, so it is not surprising that they have not been shown to be as effective as hormone therapy," said lead author Silvina Levis of the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine, quoted by CNN.

However, the many positive effects that soy has on health still make it a worthy candidate for any healthy lifestyle that includes plenty of rest, relaxation and yoga.


05
Aug 11

Yoga enthusiasts learn how to balance life by kicking back with a glass of wine

Yoga enthusiasts learn how to balance life by kicking back with a glass of wine

Yoga enthusiasts learn how to balance life by kicking back with a glass of wine

People who know how to balance life understand that staying calm, centered and grounded is all about taking a little time out of the day for themselves. Just setting aside an hour or two to meditate, relax and look within can make life seem more manageable, particularly since so many individuals are balancing numerous responsibilities. Those who have adopted the gentle regimen of yoga often report enhanced mental and emotional well-being, as well as physical benefits such as improved flexibility and endurance.

The Eastern art welcomes enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels. There are many yoga videos for beginners to help newcomers get on their feet and learn the breathing techniques, stretches and poses of the program.

Many yoga practitioners say that engaging in these exercises outdoors can compound the positive effects of the regimen. Recently, an article published in the Globe and Mail suggested that drinking wine while practicing the holistic system is another way to increase the benefits of mindfulness meditation.

Instructors David Romanelli and Angela Gargano have been exploring the idea of sipping wine directly after a yoga session, which can enhance the relaxation and tranquility that comes with posing and breathing deeply.

The two yoga teachers are holding 90-minute yoga sessions that are followed by a wine tasting, and their ingenious combination of chianti and meditation has inspired others to spread the word in their own communities.

The practice is meant "to explore the character, story, climate and passion that goes into creating a bottle of wine," Romanelli and Gargano said, quoted by the news source.

Whether it is performed with a glass of red wine or not, there's one thing that yoga enthusiasts worldwide can agree on – the holistic mind-body regimen is one of the best ways to unwind after a long and busy day.


02
Aug 11

Enthusiasts all over the U.S. learn how to better balance life and work with yoga

balance life and work

Enthusiasts all over the U.S. learn how to better balance life and work with yoga

Learning how to balance life and work is a major goal for many overworked Americans. Success at the office is great, but it usually comes with added pressure and a tighter schedule. This can increase stress, tension and anxiety, as well as reduce free time that could be spent with friends and loved ones. Juggling all of these responsibilities can take a toll on one's health, which is why so many people have turned to the time-honored tradition of yoga to keep themselves relaxed and ready to face the challenges ahead.

The holistic mind-body regimen originated many centuries ago in the East. Since then, it has become one of the most widespread physical activities in the world, with millions of Americans practicing its deep breathing exercises, gentle stretches and soothing poses on a daily basis. These rejuvenating techniques are meant to simultaneously enhance numerous aspects of one's well-being, including the physical and emotional. Additionally, enthusiasts have reported that they can improve their mood and better manage their duties by engaging in mindfulness meditation.

One of the great things about yoga, according to countless individuals, is that it can be practiced virtually anywhere. There are yoga videos for beginners that allow them to engage in the exercises at home, while seasoned practitioners can perform a stretch or pose during their lunch break, in the car or at their desks.

Practicing yoga outside is also a popular option. According to News Works, some yoga classes are being held in trees. Enthusiasts at several communities through the U.S. are breathing deeply and meditating on platforms set amidst the forest canopy, where they can enjoy the fresh morning breeze and birdsong.

No matter where one chooses to participate in yoga, one thing is clear – the holistic regimen is one that can help people achieve better life balance, relax and take a little time out for themselves. 


21
Jul 11

Zuckerberg invited to come back to Harvard after dropping out for Facebook endeavor

Zuckerberg is allowed to complete his studies

Zuckerberg is allowed to complete his studies

The key to balance life and work can sometimes be very tricky, causing some individuals to give up other commitments in an effort to better channel their energy. Although Mark Zuckerberg may be noted as one of the richest men in the world, he actually never finished college. In an attempt to put all of his energy into Facebook, Zuckerberg dropped out of Harvard in 2004.

Now, according to the Business Standard, school officials are suggesting that if the famed social networking genius wanted to return to his roots and finish his degree, he could have the opportunity to do so.

Drew Faust, the president of the esteemed university, recently spoke to Facebook's staff and interns, many of whom are Harvard alumni, and noted that Zuckerberg is still considered to be on leave.

"When I talked to Mark in January he said he still has his Harvard email, so he is still on leave," Faust joked, the news provider reports.

Additionally, BostInnovation reports that the school's president went on to compare Facebook to Harvard, noting both organizations' tendencies to encourage the spread of information.

"In a sense, Harvard and Facebook both serve as filters of information," she said. "You filter information through social graphs. We try to teach people to be interpreters and critical evaluators of information, to identify how to use information."

Interestingly, Zuckerberg may be one of the few individuals that is living a balanced lifestyle without having to worry about going away to school. While education is an important aspect to society, Zuckerberg may have found a purpose that does not require a degree.


20
Jul 11

Living a balanced lifestyle helps hockey goalie stay limber, competitive

Thomas (pictured, right) credits some of his flexibility, energy and focus to yoga, which he has been taking for several years now.

Thomas (pictured, right) credits some of his flexibility, energy and focus to yoga, which he has been taking for several years now.

Balanced life goals are an important part of daily existence, one that yoga may be able to facilitate. However, if you're like Tim Thomas, goalie for the Stanley Cup-winning Boston Bruins, you take yoga to stop goals. And he did just that, sealing this year's championship season with a shutout win in Game 7 against the Vancouver Canucks.

Thomas credits some of his flexibility, energy and focus to yoga, which he has been taking for several years now. The holistic mind-body regimen is well known for imparting upon its practitioners the knowledge of how to live a balanced life.

The 37-year-old goalkeeper, whose nickname is "The Tank," recently appeared in a video on NHL.com, in which he performed yoga exercises with his regular instructor, Dana Edison. Thomas noted that before coming in for his first yoga session, he had almost no idea what the regimen would be like.

However, with patience and commitment, the athlete has gradually become more attuned to himself.

"The more you go on in your career, the better it is to open yourself up to different ways of working out and becoming a better athlete," Thomas told the source. "My whole career has been about proving that I…can be very successful in the NHL, and yoga's a part of that journey."

One reason Thomas sought out the benefits of yoga stems from a hip injury he suffered in 2008 that nearly ended his career, according to In Goal Magazine. However, he told the periodical that he used yoga as a way to find physical equilibrium in a time of stress and discomfort.

"I actually didn’t know how much it was going to help, but it helps balance out your body," he told the magazine.

After these interviews, Thomas and the Bruins went on to win the Stanley Cup, ending a 39-year dry spell for the team.


15
Jul 11

Could new college dean show students how to balance life?

It's important to have guidance when striving for a diploma

It's important to have guidance when striving for a diploma

It can be difficult to balance lifestyles, particularly for students enrolled in a complex program that takes up a lot of time and energy. This is particularly true for people who are involved in some form of medical school, even though they frequently are striving toward helping others, which could help calm them of their anxieties. It is important that medical schools provide instructors who are skilled in the area, hopefully providing a sense of stability for any student who may feel a sense of pressure.

One school trying to meet this need is the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), which recently announced that it will hire a well-respected individual in the medical field to be the dean for its new school of optometry, according to the Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Prior to this new position, Walls was the president of the Southern California College of Optometry. He has also worked as the dean of optometry at Pacific University in Oregon and for Northeastern State University in Oklahoma.

School officials noted the importance of appointing someone with such an esteemed background, as he could be a good leader for the first class of the program.

"As we continue to expand into more health sciences, we are thrilled to have a world-renowned optometry expert leading this effort," said MCPHS President Charles F. Monahan in a prepared statement. "The United States is a rapidly aging country with only 21 accredited optometry schools, and there is a real opportunity here to help fill the increased demand for eye care."

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals who are interested in the field of optometry need at least seven years of schooling, which is why maintaining a life balance is important.