Menopause Symptoms: What You Need to Know

Before anything else, I must emphasize that symptoms vary among each woman. Understanding this is key - otherwise, we start comparing ourselves to others and seeking advice that may not apply, making things worse (EASY TIPS FOR MENOPAUSE). That said, I’ve rounded up the most common symptoms that many women experience. See if these resonate with you.

 

Hot Flashes

Sweating for no apparent reason is an unavoidable part of menopause. It’s like feeling the heat surge unexpectedly - even under air conditioning or during a scorching hot day. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that trigger hot flashes.

Stress Relief in Minutes: Chair Yoga

Stress is a common challenge in today’s fast-paced world. Often unspoken, it triggers negative emotions like anger, impatience, and frustration. Have you noticed how easily people react to small things, jumping to conclusions without pausing to think? This reflex is usually driven by stress, which prevents us from processing things calmly (STRESS RELIEF & RELAXATION: YOGA BALL).

Stress can also arise from accumulated tension, lack of physical movement, or not taking time to relax. One of the quickest ways to ease stress is through chair yoga. With simple stretches, leg lifts, and mindful breathing, chair yoga can help release tight muscles and quiet the mind. In just five minutes, it allows you to step away from the noise and reconnect with yourself (YOGA BENEFITS FOR ALL: YOGA DANCE).

Yoga Benefits for Everyone: The Flow of Yoga Dance

The Ancient Practice of Yoga: A Path to Holistic Wellness

The ancient practice of yoga is here to stay. In fact, it’s more important now than ever in the 21st century, as society grapples with numerous challenges due to the fast-paced hustle of modern life. With the constant presence of social media, many face mental health issues and physical health concerns. Even slowing down to breathe can feel difficult. 

Many people put on a brave front as a coping mechanism while quietly struggling. Sadly, the 21st century often feels like a stage where everyone is pretending to cope well. This is precisely why yoga is much needed, offering a path to holistic wellness that is essential in today’s world.

How to Sleep Better: Simple Tips for Restful Nights

Achieving restful sleep is essential for your breath, body, mind, and soul (NOT GETTING ENOUGH OF SLEEP: SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS). It’s a gradual process, much like building something over time. Patience is key as you nurture these aspects of yourself. Sleep will come naturally if you avoid the habits that hold you back.

Phone Addiction: The Silent Sleep Thief

Constant phone use, especially late at night, is a major sleep disruptor. Social media and WhatsApp chats keep your mind buzzing, while the blue light from your screen interferes with your natural sleep cycle. Disconnecting by 9:30 p.m. can make a world of difference. I now set boundaries - no calls or texts after this time, and people respect that. Try it, and watch your sleep improve.

Stress Relief & Relaxation: Yoga Ball Benefits for All

The Importance of Stress Relief

In today's fast-paced world, stress relief has become essential for many, affecting not just career-driven individuals but people from all walks of life - including children. Even retirees, who seem to have ample free time, have confided in Ms. Nava about their struggles with stress, resulting in feelings of restlessness, boredom, and loneliness. These issues often culminate in sleep disorders like insomnia or difficulty finding restful sleep (BREATHWORK AND YOGA MINDFULNESS).

Why Yoga with a Ball?

Enter Yoga - specifically, yoga with a ball. At Nava’s Zen, we incorporate yoga balls into our sessions to address these very challenges. Our clients often arrive burdened by stress and sleep issues, seeking a safe haven on the yoga mat. Here, they find a gentle yet profound practice that enhances flexibility and toning, moving beyond the limitations of traditional yoga (FEAR NO YOGA).

Breathwork Basics: A Beginner's Guide

The Basics of Breathwork

Breathwork might seem straightforward, as breathing is something we do every day. However, in the rush of daily life, we often take our breath for granted. There’s much more to it than just inhaling and exhaling.

 

The best breathwork involves breathing through the nose - gently inhaling and exhaling, while embracing the breath with love and mindfulness (MINDFULNESS FOR MENTAL HEALTH).

Yoga and Mindfulness for Mental Health: A Healing Journey

Mental health is a crucial topic, often distorted for publicity and social media clout. But what does mental health truly mean? It encompasses how we feel in our minds - whether we are overwhelmed, overthinking, or striving to achieve an ideal state that can still lead to struggles.

In the 21st century, it’s alarming to see rising mental health issues affecting individuals from as young as five to those over seventy. Many of these challenges stem from a relentless pursuit of wealth, fame, and societal validation, heavily influenced by the curated perfection of social media. This trend shows no signs of slowing down.

Understanding Mental Well-being: A Personal Perspective

Author

Ms. Krishnan N, a Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With 22 years as a lecturer, including 13 years in the Curtin University of Technology Perth, Australia Degree Twinning Program, she is now a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. Her expertise enriches her current work.

Abstract

This article explores the complexities of mental well-being, particularly through the lens of personal experiences and the practice of yoga. Despite increasing awareness, the practical application of actions to improve mental well-being remains insufficient, often hindered by societal and cultural factors. The author delves into the personal impact of career changes and societal pressures on mental health, highlighting how negative social interactions and gossip can deteriorate mental well-being.

Through a detailed case study, the author recounts the journey from a challenging work environment and societal expectations to finding solace and resilience through yoga. Emphasizing the profound benefits of yoga beyond physical health, the article argues that consistent practice can lead to lasting mental well-being by fostering self-awareness and mindfulness.

Best Yoga Benefits: Overcoming The Fear

(UPDATED VERSION)

Holistic wellness is here to stay and will lead the way for the 21st century. At Nava’s Zen, we are guided by sustainable zenness - a balanced, enduring state of mental clarity and peace achieved through mindful living practices. 

This approach emphasizes small, consistent habits like meditation, self-awareness, and eco-conscious choices integrated into daily life. By aligning with inner harmony and the environment, sustainable zenness fosters long-term well-being and a deeper connection to the world (BREATHWORK: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE).

Bra-vo! The Power of Sports Bras in Yoga

Ever wondered why sports bras are a game-changer (Two-Piece Yoga Outfits) for your yoga practice? Especially for Zen Yoga, where we offer Corporate Yoga, Yoga Dance, and Prop Yoga, among other specialties, a sports bra is essential. Whether you're into these or any other activities involving stretching and toning, the support of a good sports bra is crucial. Just like a regular bra is part of your daily outfit, a sports bra is a must for your yoga routine. 

Hey guys, listen up as well. It's important to be aware of sports bras too. While they may not be a staple in your wardrobe, understanding their significance can help you support and encourage your fellow female yoga practitioners (Zen Yoga Style)

Nava's Zen: Two-Piece Yoga Outfits Challenge Indian Norms

Eight years ago, when I began my yoga practice, I found myself surrounded by mostly Indian yogis, and yes, they love to be known as all sorts of yogis or masters, instead of yoga instructors. They all dressed in faded t-shirts and faded multi-patterned, multi-colored yoga leggings. It seemed like wearing these clothes was just what you did in Indian yoga circles, and as I got more into yoga, I started dressing the same way.

The message was pretty clear: if you're doing yoga with Indians, wear faded stuff. Decency in temples for yoga, is part of respecting places of worship, which as a Hindu I honour. Yet, most stuck to the faded look. Some even resembled as though they are wearing their home clothes (HOME ATTIRE), and coming straight to temple yoga.

Nava's Zen Unveiled: Beyond Yoga Asanas

As the founder of Nava's Zen (Nature's Melody) and your in-house yoga coach, let me share a bit of my journey with you. For me, yoga isn't just about striking poses or sweating it out on the mat - it's a profound practice that touches every aspect of our being (Menopause & Yoga Discovery).

I've seen many people miss the true essence of yoga, reducing it to nothing more than physical exercise. But let me tell you, it's so much more than that. It's about finding balance in every breath, every movement, every thought, and every emotion.

 

So, if you're expecting a simple workout routine, you might be in for a surprise. Because yoga, my friend, is a journey - a journey that takes you deep within yourself, where you discover strength, flexibility, and resilience you never knew you had (The Power Of Yoga).

Yoga vs Exercise: Which is Better?

(Updated Version)

The challenges of the 21st century often boil down to one essential realization - the need to slow down. Life's constant rush can lead to numerous health problems, and this reality is visible everywhere, even among younger age groups. Among these health concerns, mental health issues have become especially prevalent and widely discussed (SIMPLE MENTAL HEALTH TIPS).

 

The Role of Yoga and Exercise in Health
This brings us to a critical question: Can exercise help us slow down, or does it sometimes accelerate the pace of life, neglecting both mental and physical well-being? Let’s look at the similarities and differences between yoga and exercise.

 

What Yoga and Exercise Have in Common

Physical Activity
Both yoga and exercise involve working with the body to improve flexibility, tone, energy, and strength.

 

Intensity Options
Both offer low-impact or high-impact approaches.

 

For exercise, low-impact activities include walking or gentle Zumba, while high-impact activities include running, swimming, or Tabata.

 

For yoga, Zen yoga focuses on gentle, slow-paced poses, while Flow, Aerial, Ashtanga, or Vinyasa yoga provide more vigorous, calorie-burning options.

Health Benefits

Both promote a healthy lifestyle, supporting stress relief, detoxification through sweating, and optimal cardiovascular function.

 

The Unique Edge of Yoga

While exercise focuses primarily on physical fitness, yoga offers a broader, more integrated approach that encompasses the mind, breath, and soul. Yoga harmonizes these four dimensions - body, breath, mind, and soul - creating a comprehensive system that nurtures sustainable zenness.

Mindfulness and Mental Health

The sharp sword of the 21st century, as I’ve mentioned, is none other than mental health. It is one of the main concerns, as humans are unable to slow down, pause, and bring the mind to the present moment. The mental aspect can feel like a heavy burden, constantly racing. Without mindfulness, this can lead to confusion, agitation, and unhealthy behaviors. These are the reasons why individuals struggle to cultivate kindness - especially toward themselves (BREATHWORK: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE).

 

The In today’s fast-paced world, the pursuit of wealth often comes at the expense of health, impacting even the youngest, as they are caught in a cycle of relentless success and achievement.

 

The Path to Sustainable Zenness

Yoga is more than a practice of slowing down - it is about finding clarity, cultivating mental health, and fostering a deeper connection with oneself. Once health deteriorates, it becomes not just a matter of repair but of rebalancing, aligning the body, mind, and soul to promote sustainable zenness.

(Ms. Nava is a Zen entrepreneur who founded Nava's Zen at 58 and is now in her 60s. She is a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. With over 22 years of lecturing experience, including 13 years in the Curtin University Australia Degree Twinning Program, she shares her passion for Zenfulness through the small steps we take towards aging gracefully and fostering personal growth).