Take a deep breath!

If you let it, Yoga can be an incredible lifestyle change. Anyone who knows me, is well aware of the neck & shoulder pain I've been living with for almost 11 years. Yoga has helped immensely to relieve the discomfort I had become so used to. I truly believed that the pain was something I would be forced to live with for the rest of my life. However, through practicing Yoga I have learned to become more aware of my body, especially my posture and am now able to have some relief.

Yoga is all about the breath. I have found that by simply breathing correctly, I have been able to release the tension that I hold in my neck & shoulders. This area is where most of us hold tension, so adding to the fact that I've been injured only made it worse for me.

Take a moment now to give this a try. Sit up tall with your head right on top of your spine (don't let it hang forward or backward), have both sitting bones firmly planted on your chair so that you feel balanced on both sides, relax your shoulders, close your eyes, take a full inhale as you slowly count to four, feel your collarbones rise slightly, then exhale completely slowly counting to four. Notice how quickly the breathing helps you to feel more relaxed. The deep breathing is releasing the tension by relaxing you.

At the same time you are taking in more oxygen to your brain, muscles and cells throughout your body. By breathing incorrectly, we are unable to nourish the body with fresh oxygen. Leaving us feeling tired, stiff and sore.

Combining the breathing techniques with the Yoga postures helps to stretch our muscles, strengthen our bodies while improving flexibility, balance and focus. The combination unites our body, mind and soul. While focusing on the postures, you help to quiet your mind of the many thoughts that run wild and become aware of your breath and self.

Now take another deep breath! Or as many as you like. You can thank me later. ;)