10 Tips for THE WIFE: Yoga

 My yoga practice with Claire Grieves over the last year has turned me into quite the little yogie. Claire has always been a passionate teacher, with a Bachelor of Education From Melbourne University, Australia. Her love of Yoga and enthusiasm for teaching led her to complete her first teacher training at Maha Yoga with Steve Ross and Tom Morley. She then continued her studies at Yogaworks with Vinny Marino and Mia Togo. Claire loves to share the joy that Yoga has brought in to her life with her friends and students. Claire teaches a challenging vinyasa style class with a well rounded set of asanas that builds strength, balance and flexibility, with an importance on breath connecting the body and mind. Not to mention she plays the best tunes during her classes to motivate and deepen your practice. Below are her favorite tips for yoga. – Taryn Cox for THE WIFE.

1. Find time to practice – Often the hardest part of yoga is finding the time to get to your mat. In our busy lives we often tend to neglect ourselves. Use yoga as a gift to yourself, take some time out to slow down and remember what is important to you. Your yoga practice doesn’t have to be an hour long class, you can do a few rounds of sun salutations when you wake up, or relax in your favorite hip opening pose or take a quiet seated meditation. “Yoga is a light, which once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter the flame.” – B.K.S Iyengar

2. Change it up – There are so many different styles of yoga to try. Change up your regular practice and try something new. Hot yoga is great for a good sweat and detox. You can slow things down with a gentle Yin yoga, or step it up in a high intensity power vinyasa yoga class. It all depends on what you want to achieve from your class.

3. Clean your mat – Treat your yoga mat the same way you would treat your own body or clothes. Don’t neglect to wash it! Spray your mat on both sides, wipe it down with a cloth and hang to dry for 10 minutes. After this yummy wipe down your child’s pose will be a much more enjoyable experience

• 1 cup Water
• 1/4 cup Witch Hazel
• 1/4 teaspoon Tea Tree Essential Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Lavender Essential Oil

Any essential oil will work as long as they include antibacterial properties, such as Tea Tree, Lemon Grass, Lavender, Peppermint and Eucalyptus.

4. Don’t forget to Breath – Breathing is a powerful tool for managing stress and releasing tension. It is just as important off the mat as on. In yoga the breath brings more oxygen to the blood and brain helping you to feel clear headed and calm. It also helps to eliminate toxins from the body. Being aware of your breath in yoga postures helps you relax and enjoy the pose. Yoga breathing exercises have many benefits including anti-aging and improving stamina and vitality. Take 5 minutes out of your day to focus on your breath and be present.

5. Alignment – It is crucial in yoga to know how to do each pose correctly. A slight adjustment in your body alignment can make an enormous difference in the way you are stretching your body and preventing injury. Taking a one on one private yoga class is a good idea if you are new to the practice.

6. Build Confidence – Yoga can be quite challenging and a bit intimidating at first, especially when you are looking around seeing others in handstands and complicated inversions. Just know that the more you stick with it the easier it becomes. Core strength and flexibility will be gained the more you practice. “A yoga practice is like peeling an onion. Sometimes the onion makes you cry but in the end it makes everything so delicious – it’s worth it.” – Daniel Luke

7. Prenatal Yoga – Yoga is a really healthy way to stay fit during pregnancy, and shedding the pounds afterwards.  It is also beneficial because it helps you learn to breathe deeply and relax, which will come in handy as you face the physical demands of labor, birth, and motherhood. It is best to take a less strenuous class, there are even some studios that will offer prenatal classes.

8. Take your other half to class – Why not take you partner to class with you. Yoga can be a great bonding experience for couples. Partner yoga has the power to transform your relationship. Practicing poses together builds trust, it’s a fun experience that will make you laugh and bring you closer, igniting sexual energy. Breath together, move together and see where it takes you.

9. Yoga is preventative medicine – It has been shown in hundreds of scientific studies that yoga benefits people with a wide variety of health conditions. Yoga lowers blood pressure, improves lung function, relaxes the nervous system, cuts cholesterol, boosts immunity, and makes you more content, to name just a few documented effects.

10. Practice yoga off the mat – Yoga can be practiced in everything you do in life; driving, eating, talking, walking, and working. Try to stay present in each and every moment. Concentration on what you are doing in the moment. Do your best not to stress about what’s coming up or what has passed in the day. Being grateful for life and your surroundings is the key to a healthy mind. Namaste. -Claire Grieves for THE WIFE.