Manage the Dubai stress with Yoga - Boost your energy level
Do you ever have the feeling that you are endlessly running on a hamster wheel, trying to handle all your tasks at work, keep up with the bills to pay at home, get the washing machine repaired, juggle the household chores with your social life, and eventually get some sleep occasionally?
Life in the cities has been proven to be extremely stressful and has taken a toll on our mental health. Between our minds permanently focused on reaching the bottom of our to-do lists, our inboxes overflowing with emails, and our smartphones’ constant notifications draining the life out of us, no wonder we feel exhausted and irritable! But should we directly categorize stress as a negative feeling, something to avoid at all costs?
The Stress Factor
It’s no news that stress is the root of most of our physical and mental illnesses. Back in 1979, British cardiologist Dr. Peter Nixon created a graph illustrating the stress performance curve. This diagram, consisting of a half-circle curve, illustrates the balance and the effects of good and bad stress on our health, and on our daily performance. The curve starts at the lowest point: it is where we find ourselves when we aren’t under any type of stress for long periods of time. What could seem like the supreme relaxation stage is, for most urban-living people, a stage of inactivity, apathy, demotivation, and under-involvement.
Just before the highest peak of the curve lies what is called “the comfort zone”: a healthy amount of stress has been proven to be highly motivating, and allows us to be alert, creative, stimulated, decisive, and focused. But there is a thin line between our most performant state and an overload of stress that will push us down the curve, initiating a dramatic fall back to the lowest point. The descent is where the stress turns into distress, dragging on with it all kinds of afflictions, such as anxiety, low self-esteem, irritability, and exhaustion, until we reach the burnout stage, sending us right back to square one.
Balance Is The Key
Ideally, we, city mice, should manage to stay in our “comfort zone”, where we are under a healthy amount of stress, and feeling on top of the world. Unfortunately, they are a lot of external factors that aren’t making it easy for us. So how can we achieve well-being while living and working in a stressful environment, always on the edge of falling down the curve’s descent? How can we find balance in the middle of the hustle and bustle surrounding us?
Studies have demonstrated that one in three people suffers from work-related stress. If this is your case, the first step you want to take is to focus on your work/life balance. Easier said than done? It might be true, depending on the nature of your job, but for your well-being, it is crucial that you set boundaries, and stick to them. Try compartmentalizing: the moment you leave the office, leave your work life behind you until the next morning.
Switch your focus on your loved ones, and on yourself. Switch your phone off if needed, or at least mute your email notifications. It is so important to have some “me time” to do the activities that you enjoy, spend time with your family and friends, or just relax!
Still feeling overwhelmed? Organize your time! They are 24hs in a day. Once you’ve subtracted 9 hours spent at work, and 8 hours of sleep, you still have 7 hours left to do all kinds of cool things.
Make lists: a shopping list, a maintenance list, a social life list, etc. - it will bring clarity to your mind, and that way, you’ll be able to put things in perspective and organize your chores. They might be constantly running through your head, but once they’re written down, they won’t go anywhere else. Plan in advance: your grocery shopping list, meal prep, your cleaning day, and so on.
Conscious Movement
Stress can also easily lead to insomnia. Ah, the hours spent turning and tossing in bed, without being able to close an eye… Health professionals recommend staying away from screens for at least an hour before going to bed. Listen to music or read a book instead! A cup of warm chamomile infusion also does wonders for the sleepless, and so does a regular magnesium intake. And, of course, avoid at all costs caffeine and energy drinks after 3 PM!
Another factor that can lead to insomnia is the lack of physical exercise. Movement is a must to fight against stress and regulate your mood. Not a big fan of gyms and fitness studios? Why not try yoga lessons?
Yoga is the perfect ally in the fight against stress. Regular practice of yoga will harmonize your body, mind, and spirit. The success of yoga all around the world in the past years has allowed this practice to spread and be available to all, but it can come out as intimidating to certain people, new to yoga. There is nothing to worry about, though: even though some types of yoga are more demanding than others, it still remains a gentle physical practice available to all.
But yoga is so much more than a sport! Yoga is, before anything else, a philosophy. The origins of yoga are said to date back to the time of the Indus-Sarasvati civilization, which is now part of modern-day Pakistan.
The philosophy of yoga is based on the belief that the universe is an interconnected whole, and that through the practice of yoga, we can achieve a state of unity or oneness with the universe. It is a way to connect with our inner self, and by doing so, we can connect with the universe as a whole. This connection allows us to experience a sense of peace and harmony that comes from knowing that we are all part of something bigger.
Support Comes From Others
You might want to give yoga a chance, and sign up for a class at the nearest yoga studio in your area. However, they are many different types of yoga, and even more certified yoga instructors. So take your time, and do your research: browse the internet, read google reviews, and ask around you for recommendations. If possible, choose a place that doesn’t only have great yoga lessons, but also the best atmosphere. A place where you feel grounded and at peace.
When the weather is tempered, some teachers even offer yoga lessons in the park or on the beach - if you’re the outdoorsy type, that might be just what you need! It’s a great way to ground yourself and connect with nature while practicing mindfulness in movement.
Make sure to sign up for group classes, it will make all the difference. Group yoga classes are an excellent way to share the practice with like-minded individuals. Making connections and being part of a group can be very helpful in providing motivation, focus, and inspiration even during the toughest times. There is something special about sharing this journey through physical, emotional, and spiritual healing with a larger community that brings about a unique sense of joy and connection. Being surrounded by other individuals who are engaging in similar activities can create an environment where everyone feels supported, allowing for deeper exploration into the practice of yoga. The collective energy created within the group helps to deepen each individual’s experience as well as create positive vibes that benefit everyone involved.
Yoga can also be a great team-building exercise to do with your colleagues: sign up for a couple of private yoga classes with your office team, and live a transformative experience together! They might even want to repeat it, and you will end up attending the same yoga lessons and learning how to manage your stress together. Yoga is a way to connect with your inner self, and by doing so, connect with the universe as a whole. This connection allows us to experience a sense of peace and harmony that comes from knowing that we are all part of something bigger.
Yoga can be adjusted to suit the needs and abilities of everyone on the team. By working together, employees build trust and create a sense of camaraderie. This creates strong bonds within teams, which leads to improved communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and decision-making - all skills that contribute to increased productivity and job satisfaction. Furthermore, taking private yoga classes will allow each employee some dedicated time away from work-related stressors. These moments provide an opportunity for reflection and perspective on what is important at work while also helping to develop a connection with one another through a common experience. Even if you have a pregnant colleague, she and her baby can benefit from yoga without having to sign up for an entire prenatal class. By informing your certified yoga instructor in advance, they will be able to make any necessary changes or adaptations to the asanas that are suitable for her condition. This is true for anyone with past injuries or any other physical impediment.
Choose your Yoga practice
Hatha yoga is a traditional form of yoga that focuses on physical postures and breathing techniques. It can help you relax your body and mind, reduce stress, and increase flexibility. Kundalini Yoga is another type of yoga that includes physical postures as well as meditation, chanting, and breathwork to achieve balance in body and soul. This type of yoga works to stimulate the energy centers (called chakras) throughout the body, allowing for better circulation and greater awareness of self. Both types of yoga can be beneficial for managing stress levels and helping to bring about relaxation. Practicing regularly can help build strength, calmness, and resilience in both your body and mind. It’s the healthiest way to manage stress and find a great source of energy! A simple yet powerful way to improve your overall well-being.
Keep practicing and soon you will experience how yoga can help you to feel centered and energized. Namaste!
Namaste is an Indian greeting that means “I honor the divine within you”. It symbolizes a connection between two people, celebrating mutual respect and understanding. In yoga classes, it is used as a farewell at the end of class - in essence meaning "The light in me honors the light in you". Let the journey begin! With regular practice of Hatha or Kundalini Yoga, you can open yourself up to an entirely new world.
What about meditation?
Meditation can be a powerful tool for managing stress and anxiety. It allows us to take back control of our thoughts and emotions, and focus on the present moment. Studies have shown that regular meditation can reduce levels of cortisol (the hormone linked to stress) in the body, as well as improve overall well-being.
However, there is a misconception about meditation: that you need to be sitting crossed-legged in the “Buddha pose” for hours when that is not what meditation is about. In reality, the body and the mind are two different entities. The goal of meditation is to reach a state of mental stillness, not physical stillness. This means that while meditating it is possible to remain physically active while maintaining control over your thoughts and emotions. Walking meditation or yoga-based meditation are both excellent examples of how you can combine physical activity with mental stillness. By focusing on the sensation of your breath and body movement during these activities, you can achieve a relaxed mental state without having to be completely motionless. You may even find yourself more focused in this kind of environment as opposed to traditional seated meditation!
In conclusion, Yoga is a great way to improve your overall mental and physical health. It can help reduce stress, increase energy levels, strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. There are many different types of yoga that focus on different aspects of health. No matter what type of yoga you decide to practice, it will have a positive impact on your well-being. Additionally, practicing yoga regularly can also lead to an increased sense of self-awareness which can help foster improved decision-making skills and better concentration throughout the day. So if you're looking for an effective way to reduce stress, increase energy levels and improve your overall health, adding yoga to your lifestyle is the way to go. With regular practice, you can reap all the benefits of this ancient practice. Good luck!