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Jen A. Miller Consulting

Tag: yoga

  • Downward Dog Diss

    Downward Dog Diss

    Catherine’s recent yoga nightmare, 5 lessons she took away + tips on starting yoga

    downward-dog

     PHOTO: Move. Nourish. Believe

    I had never regretted my decision to take a yoga class… until last Wednesday.

    I headed to this studio, new to me, with anticipation. It was on my list of studios to try ever since I moved back—probably because it was one of the few with free and easy parking; unlike L.A., here nowhere you go has valet. The studio was warm (I’m talking temperature), and I’m much more comfortable in airy (read, air conditioned) studios but I let go and embraced the fact that I would likely leave the class feeling relaxed and refreshed.

    With my limited experience, I believe yoga is a practice of constantly letting go of the ego, calming your mind, focusing your breath, listening to your body. On this evening, the night before the full moon, what our instructor led us through was the complete opposite of that. The class started in a seated position focusing in on the breath. I felt myself center. And this was the last time I would feel calm for the rest of the evening.

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  • Why Snooze When You Can… | Morning Rituals

    Why Snooze When You Can… | Morning Rituals

    5 morning rituals that will get you out of bed

    morning ritual
    PHOTO: Pinterest.

    I am a night owl. I can stay up later than most people, and my love of sleep means that, historically speaking, me waking up naturally before 11am is unusual. Sleep is important to me, so I’ve always made it a priority; I would categorize that under “good self-care.” Living a freelance life means that I now have the freedom to sleep in a little later when I have to stay up to the wee hours to get work done. In the past few months, however, sleeping in late just ain’t what it used to be (hello, late 20s). Although I’m a creature of habit, part of me does want to become more of a morning person. If you’re like me and need a little boost in the AM, here are 5 rituals you can add to your morning routine that might motivate you to stop hitting the snooze button (or at least cut back to one hit).

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  • The Single Diaries Guide to Online Workout Videos

    Four free fitness channels to follow on those busy days

    If you want something done, give it to a busy person. When I left my full-time job, I thought I would have all the time in the world to do everything I wanted to do: read books, soak up some sun, and work out twice a day. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Class times often just didn’t fit into my funemployment schedule. However, I realized that doing 15 minutes of focused activity is enough on days when you just want to move your body. There is a ton out there, so here is your starter kit to free videos that are good enough to add into your weekly routine.

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  • Welcome the Challenges | Single Girl Life Lessons

    Welcome the Challenges | Single Girl Life Lessons

    How I Learned to Accept Life’s Challenges as Steps to Something Better

    By: Rachel Priest

    yoga challenges

    Have faith and know that even if you are in the midst of a difficult life struggle the hardship will pass and may bring great good if allowed.

    Why is it when anything seemingly bad happens in life people tend to cower in fear, anxiety, and depression and ask the age old question of “Why Me? Why did this happen to me?”

    Even though it is cliché, a lot of good can come from a “bad” situation or event. So much so that it can make you question, is there really bad and good? Before we go too far down the rabbit hole of philosophy, I want to share my story with you about how a seemingly “bad” event has forever changed me, brought me to my yoga practice, and spurred my new life.

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  • Spring Awakening | Morning Yoga

    Spring Awakening | Morning Yoga

    Yoga Teacher Megan D’Amico presents six yoga poses to awaken your body, begin your day, and welcome spring

    Change your morning routine, and you will change your life. Just because you’re not like your “gym-rat” co-worker who is on mile five while you’re pressing snooze for the third time doesn’t mean you should give up an active morning routine altogether. Even adding something as simple as three minutes of conscious breathing can make a world of difference.

    When we sleep, our muscles are in rest and recovery mode. They go cold because they are not being used, which explains why most of us wake up stiff and sore. Getting up like this and continuing on your day would be like microwaving a frozen Hot Pocket for 30 seconds… all kinds of wrong.

    Instead, we should be actively waking up our bodies by doing postures that stretch and activate the muscles, circulate our blood and pump oxygen to our brains. By accelerating the natural wake-up process, you kick those morning blues to the curb and allow yourself to function at full capacity at the very start of your day.

    When you first awaken, resist the urge to hit the snooze button. This simple decision sets the tone for the rest of your day. Take 3 huge inhales through the nose, exhaling through the mouth. Reach your hands above your head and stretch as far as you can, pulling your lower body and upper body away from each other, and begin your morning routine.

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