Wellness Warriors: Spring Tune-Up

Yes, you read that right. This is a SPRING tune-up! I'm not saying Spring is actually here yet but that you should prepare NOW because it's right around the corner. Or so I hope, #Ottawa folk, you feel me?

This is the second post in the Wellness Warriors series with Kelly of KM Nutrition and Wellness where we've teamed up to share tips for self care and super-charging your wellness.

Spring is a beautiful season but getting there isn’t always easy. With daylight savings time and unpredictable weather, many people feel tired, groggy and lethargic. I know I do! *yawn* While it's totally normal to feel this way, there are things you can do to not let it drag you down into the thawing mud with it.

What you eat can make a huge difference in how you feel. Kelly is sharing some helpful suggestions of what you can eat to feel Spring-ready inside and out. Check out her post here!

Today I’m sharing a Kundalini Yoga exercise for boosting your energy and Spring-cleaning your nervous system! As the snow melts and the ground thaws, so does our body. As we transition to Spring, it’s important that we perform regular tune-ups.

Kundalini yoga combines yoga movements, breath work, mantras, and hand postures to calm the mind and strengthen your nerves. Today we’re going to practice a short breathing exercise.

If you’re ready for a mind and body Spring tune-up, please find a comfy spot and take a seat.

I thought that Breath of Fire would be the perfect exercise for this post. This breathe heats your body to increase energy, boosts your immune system, builds concentration, reduces addictive impulses, strengthens your nervous system and improves your sense of well-being.

Think of breath of fire as a tune-up for your system so all parts work harmoniously together.

~ disclaimer ~

Do not do this exercise if you are pregnant or in the first three days of your period. Please do this breathe with caution if you have high blood pressure or heart disease. Instead, you can do this pose with long deep breathing.

LET'S START.

Sit either on a yoga mat or on a chair and close your eyes. Relax your shoulders, lips and jaw. Take a long deep breath in and exhale slowly. To learn the breathe, imagine you are a dog panting or sniffing. Try it like this for a few seconds to get the hang of it.

Now, close your mouth and do the sniffing breathe through your nose. On the inhale, your belly expands with air, on the exhale your belly goes inward. Make sure you’re always pulling your belly inwards on the exhale. Try it and slowly pick up speed.

Place your finger tips on the mounds of your hands. Raise your arms to a 60 degree angle and keep the arms straight as you can.

Close your eyes and begin the breath of fire. Continue for 1-3 minutes. After the time is up, inhale deeply and bring your thumbs to touch. Open your hands wide and sweep them to your sides.

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