Thursday

"Yoga is not about self-improvement. It's about self-acceptance."

- Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa

Welcome to Thursday! Today, we're chatting about:

• The health benefits of yoga

• How to get started with yoga

• Safe, effective pain relief—without the side effects

• Would you try hot yoga?

• The secret to avoid big vet bills

Feeling Stressed? Yoga Might Be Your Answer

Yoga, with its ancient roots in India, offers much more than just a workout. Its blend of stretching, breathing, and mindfulness has been scientifically proven to benefit both the body and the mind. Among the top benefits, yoga improves flexibility and balance, which is particularly important as we age. Research even shows it can help older adults maintain or improve flexibility, slowing the effects of aging.

But yoga’s perks don’t stop there. It’s been shown to reduce anxiety and stress, a common challenge for many of us. Whether it's through physical postures or calming breathing exercises, yoga helps ease tension and promotes a sense of well-being. Plus, it can be a powerful tool for boosting mental health, with studies indicating that it’s an effective treatment for depression and anxiety.

Yoga isn’t just about inner peace; it’s also about strength. Many yoga styles can help build strength in both the upper and lower body. In fact, a 2021 study found that yoga is just as effective for strength-building as other forms of exercise.

If you're looking to enhance your quality of life, improve your immune system, or even sleep better, yoga might be the practice you’ve been searching for. It’s a gentle yet powerful way to care for your body and mind.

New to Yoga? Start Here with These Easy Tips

Starting yoga for the first time can feel intimidating, but it’s a step toward a calmer, healthier you. The key to beginning is embracing the journey without pressure. Yoga isn’t about bending into impossible shapes, it’s about finding balance, strength, and awareness in every moment.

First things first: start with acceptance. Yoga is a practice of union—bringing together your mind, body, and breath. Don’t worry about perfection. It’s about being present and appreciating where you are right now. Let go of expectations, like thinking you should already be able to touch your toes or wear designer yoga wear. Yoga is about showing up just as you are.

Focus on your breath. Breathing deeply and mindfully is one of the most powerful aspects of yoga. Whether you’re relaxing in child's pose or stretching in downward dog, notice how your breath can ground you. It’s the simple act of awareness that makes all the difference.

Finally, start with basic poses, such as downward dog, savasana, and child's pose. There’s no rush to master complex poses—progress comes naturally as you practice. Try to find a beginner class or use online resources to guide your journey. Every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to a more centered, balanced self.

$10 a Month Can Protect You from Expensive Vet Bills

Is Hot Yoga Right for You? Here’s What to Know

Hot yoga, a practice done in a heated room, offers a unique way to build strength, increase flexibility, and improve mental well-being. The warmth of the environment helps your muscles stretch more deeply, which can lead to a better range of motion and a decrease in tension. This makes certain poses easier to achieve, especially ones that require deeper flexibility, like forward folds and splits.

The benefits of hot yoga extend beyond flexibility. It can improve lung capacity by encouraging deep breathing techniques, and it may even boost your heart health by increasing circulation and metabolism. Many practitioners also find that the heat helps them focus their minds, reducing stress and promoting a calm, centered feeling.

Before diving into a hot yoga class, remember to stay hydrated and listen to your body. If you feel overwhelmed by the heat, it’s okay to take breaks. Hot yoga can be a rewarding practice when done safely, offering both physical and mental health benefits.

Safe, Effective Pain Relief—Without The Side Effects.

Chronic pain affects about 51 million Americans, with half of them under 45—leading active lives, managing demanding jobs, and raising young families. For them, pain often defines their future. Older individuals struggle with basic tasks like bathing and cooking.

Opioids, steroids, and over-the-counter painkillers come with harmful side effects from long-term use. Nápreva provides rapid, effective relief. Users sleep better and experience less stress and anxiety. Made from plant terpenes, clinical studies show Nápreva may be more effective than traditional pain medications—without the side effects.

Try Nápreva risk-free with their money-back guarantee and discover the healing power of plants.

Thank you to Napreva for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Wellness Round-Up:

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Yoga originated in ancient India and was first mentioned in the Rig Veda, one of the oldest texts in history.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers’ lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Yoga isn’t about touching your toes—it’s about what you learn on the way down. Whether your practice today was energizing or simply a moment to breathe, remember that every small movement, every deep inhale, is a step toward balance. Carry that calm with you, on and off the mat.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!