The Lovely Lisa

NAMASTE.

I took a Yoga class at ACC my spring 2010 semester and fell in love with it and all the benefits. It improves posture and body awareness, tones your body, lowers blood pressure and you just feel better after every session. Some studies have even suggested that yoga increases learning ability and memory. So with this said I'm going to tell you 5 of my favorite asanas (poses).

1. Vrksasana- the tree pose

 
    This pose strengthens thighs, calves, ankles and spine. It stretches the groins, inner thigh, chest and shoulders. Improves sense of balance. Good pose when you are stressed because you are forced to focus your mind on balancing then whatever is stressing you out.

 

2. Parivrtta Trikonasana- the revolved triangle pose

 

    Relieves mild back pain. Strengthens and stretches legs. Stretches the hip and spine. Stimulates abdominable organs. Improves sense of balance. This pose is good after a night of drinking because it "wrings" out the liver.

 

3. Salamba Sarvangasana- the shoulder stand

 
     Calms the brain and helps relieve mild depression. Stimulates the thyroid and prostate glands and abdominal organs. Stretches the shoulders and neck. Tones the legs and butt. Improves digestion. Reduces fatigue and alleviates insomnia. Therapeutic for infertility, sinusitis and asthma.

 

4. Setu Bandha Sarvangasana- the bridge pose

 

    Rejuvenates tired legs. Relieves menstrual discomfort when supported. Reduces anxiety, fatigue, backache, headache and insomnia. Calms the brain and helps alleviate stress and mild depression.

 

5. Plank pose

 
    Tones your abs. Strengthens arms, wrists and spine. Prevents osteoporosis.

 

 

7 "Happy Meals"

When you're stressed, upset or even bored do you head to the kitchen for some Ben & Jerry's? Or open up a can of Pringles? This is probably not the best idea if you're trying to improve your mood. Instead fill your cupboard and fridge with these mood-altering foods or drinks.

1. Milk- It does the body AND mind good. The calcium found in dairy has been shown to calm muscles and keep blood pressure in check. Although these effects could take weeks to kick in.

 

2. Tuna- The production of serotonin requires vitamin B6. Lucky for you, tuna has high doses of this vitamin for only 69 cents a can.

 

 

3. Water- Between one to two thirds of the population is dehydrated at any given time. And since we need water for nearly every function in our body, even a minor shortfall can affect us.

 

 

 

4. Hummus- Since it is high in protein and fiber, it provides a slow release of glucose into your bloodstream helping prevent blood sugar fluctuations. Depression and low mood are linked to low blood sugar.

 

 

 

5. Turkey- This contains high levels of tryptophan which is an amino acid necessary for serotonin production.

 

6. Oatmeal- Complex carbs boost serotonin levels. It also contains B vitamins, thiamin, folates and zinc which are all proven to increase mood in people suffering from depression.

 

7. Chocolate- This contains high antioxidants, stimulates endorphins (body's natural painkiller) and boost serotonin.

Herb Garden

 
When I move into my new apartment in two weeks, I intend on planting my own small herb garden. I have listed below the herbs I intend on growing & harvesting.

1. Rosemary - useful when boiled in water as hair tonic, scent has been linked to memory assistance, used as steam can help bronchitis and colds and soothe sore throats.

2. Sweet Basil - PIZZA! insect repellent, add a few leaves to barbque pit to deter moths.

3. Lavender - (by far my favorite herb) induces sleep, relieves tension and eases sinuses, headaches and hangovers. when ingested, it can help with upset stomach, flatulence, depression, anxiety, nervousness and loss of appetite.

4. Mint - used as a tea it can aid in digestion and menstrual cramps. used in oil directly on skin it can help eczema, arthritis and chronic pain.

After these four plants successfully grow, I might expand my garden. Until then I will keep you posted on how my four plants grow & what I learn from the experience.