Much like just about everything else this year, New Years Eve is going to look pretty different than it usually does as we all try to stay socially distanced at the pandemics peak. And even if you typically opt to quietly watch the ball drop from home on December 31, the feelingof the end of this year is likely to be distinct from that of any before it; its pretty safe to bet that most of us have a lot riding on the hope that 2021 is going to be much better than 2020 in every way possible.

As such, this New Years Eve is shaping up to be more introspective than usual, and many of us are planning to lean heavily into the restorative practices thatve seen us through the last nine months as the curtain closes on 2020 at long last. Mindfulness, quietude, and gentle movement will supplement or even supplant champagne as we all steel ourselves for whats left of COVID-19s challenges, while simultaneously allowing ourselves to envision a happier path ahead. If youre looking to partake in a yoga flow, meditation, or combination of the two thats specifically oriented towards letting go, looking forward, and setting positive intentions for the new year this December 31, there are a number to choose from.

1. Yoga for New Beginnings from Yoga with Adriene

YouTube yoga superstar Adriene Mishlerwhos been creating a ton of mental health-focused content this year, including the uber-popular Yoga for When You Feel Dead Inside flowwill be releasing an 18-minute practice on December 31 specifically geared towards turning the page on 2020. Its free.

2. 90-Minute Flow Into The New Year with Kathryn Budig on Glo

On the Glo fitness platform, popular yogi Kathryn Budig will be leading a level two 90-minute flow thatll set just the right tone for sloughing off the weight of 2020 and moving into the relative light of 2021. This flow requires a Glo membership, but free trials are available.

3. Releasing 2020 New Years Eve Event Restorative Yoga and Meditation with Nicole Havelka

Nicole Havelka is certified in many types of meditation and also specializes in restorative and trauma-sensitive yoga. This New Years Eve, shell be hosting a two-hour event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. EST aimed at releasing 2020 and setting intentions for 2021. It will include both restorative yoga and meditation practices. Tickets are $20-$60.

4. New Beginnings Yoga at Strla Yoga

This locally-beloved New York City-based studio will be offering a new beginnings flow at 10 p.m. EST to stretch, strengthen, and inhale/exhale your way into 2021. Strla Yoga is membership-based, and is free for seven days and then $19.99 per month thereafter.

5. New Years Eve class with Donna Rubin at bod nyc

At 10 p.m. EST, bod nyc studio co-founder Donna Rubin will lead a 60-minute flow followed by a 15-minute yoga nidra meditation to seal off 2020 and welcome in the new year.

6. Savasana into the New Year with Kristin Bilella at mangOh Yoga

This event, which will stream from 8pm to 10 p.m. EST, will include a letting go ceremony and vinyasa flow followed by a deep Savasana to help ease both mind and body into the new year. Its led by yoga instructor Kristin Biellla and costs $25.

1. Resolve to Evolve from Yoga with Adriene

Mishler is also offering a 10-minute meditation on her YouTube channel this December 31, which will be geared toward the resolution behind most of our more specific yearly resolutions: self-evolution. (Maybe this year, we can resolve to evolve as a species, too?) Its free.

2. New Years Eve meditations with Kelsey Patel on PureJoy

LA-based Reiki master and wellness expert Kelsey Patel is launching her new app, PureJoy, on December 31. That day, shell offer two different events; the first is a clearing, healing, and grounding meditation and then second is focused around intention setting. The first week on PureJoy is free.

3. Charting Your Course for 2021 with Heather Hayward at Unplug Meditation

LA-based meditation studio Unplug Meditation is offering a New Years Eve event with life coach and meditation teacher Heather Hayward. It will stream from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PST and include guided journaling, meditating, and intention-setting. Its $40.

4. Release 2020 and Embrace 2021Mind, Body, and Soul with Shayna Hiller at Unplug Meditation

The studio will also host an event from 10 p.m. to 11:55 p.m. PST that will focus on helping you zero in on the things you want to leave behind from 2020 and bring into your life in 2021. It will involve journaling, dynamic meditation with breath and movement, and a sound bath. Its $45.

5. Ready to Take On What Is To Come Meditation with Kadam Morten

The Kadampa Meditation Center in New York City will be live-streaming a 90-minute meditation held from 10:30 p.m. to midnight EST. Its to be hosted by meditation teacher Kadam Morten, who says the focus will be on letting go of any tension and unhappiness built up in 2020 in order to enter 2021 refreshed, fortified, and open to whats to come next. Its $20.

6. New Years Eve Meditation with Sahaja Yoga Meditation

Sahaja Yoga is a unique form of meditation that is well-suited to all levels, even beginners. Their New Years Eve practice will stream at 9:45 p.m. EST, with some virtual socializing scheduled for the end of the session. Its free.

7. Silence and Celebration: A New Years Eve Retreat and Party (Online) at Shambhala Los Angeles

If youre looking for an intensive meditation experience on December 31, this may be it. From 4 p.m. until 1 a.m. PST, LAs Shambhala meditation center will offer an online retreat consisting of two different Zoom rooms. One will be the Silence Room, where ongoing meditations will be held, and the other will be the Celebration Room, to be utilized for socializing with the community. All levels are welcome, and the price is $20.

8. New York Insights Annual New Years Eve Gathering and Celebration

Insights virtual New Years Eve event runs from 8:45 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. and will include meditations, chanting, intention-setting, socializing, and a surprise ending. Its $15-$35.

See the rest here:
14 New Years Eve Meditation and Yoga Classes You Can Stream Online - Well+Good

I created Afro Yoga Allies for non-Black people who genuinely care about achieving racial justice and equity, particularly in the wellness industry,

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (PRWEB) January 01, 2021

Afro Yoga, an emerging wellness and education nonprofit that provides yoga and wellness instruction for everyone by supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the wellness industry, announced the launch of Afro Yoga Allies. Afro Yoga Allies is a sister platform to Afro Yoga. Its objective is to link non-Black allies with BIPOC to glean anti-racism education and build racial equity in the wellness industry through direct investment in the wellness of BIPOC communities.

With today's announcement, Afro Yoga Allies is also announcing its first round of funding scheduled for January 15, where five aspiring teachers will receive scholarships to complete yoga and wellness courses and training. Both the member allies and the Afro Yoga leadership team will collaborate through a digital community where all content is led, reviewed, and approved by BIPOC. The portal is the source of all profits from the work of allies, directly investing to benefit yoga teachers applying for the Afro Yoga Community Fund. (501c3).

"I created Afro Yoga Allies for non-Black people who genuinely care about achieving racial justice and equality, particularly in the wellness industry, to work with us," said Angela Franklin, the founder and executive director of Afro Yoga and Afro Yoga Allies. "Our allies are real change agents; people who are committing to improving racial justice by making their businesses more inclusive and welcoming and helping build funds for students learning to become yoga teachers."

Since 2017, Ms. Franklin has sought to intersect where wellness and social justice meet by leading racial equity and community building training for companies and organizations including Lululemon, UC-Davis and many other universities, nonprofit organizations, and people to advance her work. For four years, Afro Yoga has become an innovative organization for others to learn Kemetic yoga whose origin lies in Ancient Egypt and become educated on racial and social justice, as well as to create safe places for BIPOC to practice yoga.

"It is past time for acknowledging the colonial behaviors embedded in our way of being and living and the impact this has on the yoga industry. Our Afro Yoga Allies program is an important way for the yoga industry, and health and wellness can address it," said Ms. Franklin.

About Afro Yoga: Afro Yoga, is a wellness movement comprised of Kemetic Yoga, racial justice education, community engagement and optimal health that is revolutionizing the wellness industry. To learn more visit https//:afroyoga.org/allies and follow on IG: @afroyogabyangie.

Share article on social media or email:

See the rest here:
Afro Yoga Allies Is Launched to Support BIPOC - PR Web

Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires you to take extra care of yourself throughout the year. But there are certain months when your risk of succumbing to it becomes high and therefore you need to know the effective arsenals against diabetes. We all know that stress and inactivity are two main culprits behind the increase in blood sugar level. And, during winters, it becomes challenging for you not to put stress on your body and keep it moving. Thats when your body goes into fight-or-flight mode. This leads to the excessive release of adrenaline and cortisol hormones that are harmful to diabetics. Also, in a bid to gather energy for daily activities, your body starts releasing glucose and that increases your blood sugar level. Also Read - Diabetes Increases The Risk Of COVID-19: Here Are Steps To Protect Your Health

In 2016, an estimated 1.6 million deaths were directly caused by diabetes. Another 2.2 million deaths were attributable to high blood glucose in 2012, says the WHO. It also states that the number of people with diabetes rose from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. This is only the result of the ineffective management of diabetes. Therefore, here we share 10 naturopathy and yoga tips that can help people with diabetes during the cold season. Also Read - People With Eye Disease, Diabetes At 5-Fold Risk of Severe COVID-19: Study

A well-balanced diet is crucial to keep diabetes in control no matter the season. It is recommended to include plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lentils, beans, and oatmeal. Sweets and fatty foods should be avoided. Also, diabetics should refrain from consuming dry fruits as the fructose in them may spike the sugar level. Also Read - Here's Why You Should Have Green Tea If You Have Type 2 Diabetes

It is essential to keep the body hydrated at all times to get rid of the excess glucose through urine. Water should be the primary beverage choice as other beverages are loaded with preservatives and sugar.

The ancient practice of yoga can work wonders on the body, helping people with diabetes to keep the disease under control and lead a normal, happy life. Science has shown that specific yoga poses that involve the twisting and stretching of the internal muscles and organs stimulate the pancreas and endocrine system. This facilitates insulin secretion, which keeps the blood glucose levels under check.

Alternative treatment methods like acupuncture, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, etc., can restore harmony to the body in several ways. Acupuncture, where thin needles inserted into specific points in the body, can help with weight loss, control blood sugar levels, and reduce insulin resistance. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy promote neurological and musculoskeletal functions that aids in weight loss, reduces stress levels, and lowers blood pressure.

Sound sleep is vital as the body relies on it to repair itself from exposure to toxins, daily stressors, and much more. Diabetics should aim for at least 6-7 hours of continuous sleep daily to let the body recuperate from damages and boost the immune system.

Those affected with diabetes live with a lot of stress. It can cause spurts of anxiety, mood change, confusion, and depression. The American Diabetes Association says that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may occur during winters; however, it is treatable. Spending time with loved ones, indulging in hobbies, or getting professional help are some of the ways through which diabetics can find relief.

To maintain personal hygiene, people with diabetes should wash their hands frequently and thoroughly with a natural soap. Apart from that, saline rinses using a Neti pot should also be practiced as it keeps the respiratory passages clear.

Obesity can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 80-85 percent. For people with obesity, the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to meet the bodys needs. Therefore, losing weight becomes the only option to stay healthy and fit. Regular exercise, brisk walks, etc., should be incorporated into daily life to get rid of excess weight.

Diabetics should stay away from high-fat food, alcohol, caffeine, and white sugar, suppressing the immune systems effects. Too much high-fat foods can block the lymphatic system, hindering the bodys ability to fight infections.

Spending time outdoors or in nature not only boosts mood but also increases Vitamin D levels in the body. Vitamin D is an essential component that enhances the bodys ability to recognise pathogens and come up with a response against them, especially influenza.

Diabetes care is complex and it goes well beyond glucose control. Physical activity, healthy eating, and maintain proper body weight are crucial factors in preventing, managing, and reversing diabetes. Naturopathy explores a wide range of factors to determine which ones should be prioritized and how they can be modified to aid diabetics to effectively manage their condition during the winter season.

View post:
10 Useful Naturopathy And Yoga Tips For Diabetics in Winters - India.com

Brianna Childers |Topeka Capital-Journal

A new year is synonymous with new habits, goals and resolutions. As 2021 kicks off, some people may be searching for a way to connect with themselves and those around them.

Knowing that the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to linger for some time, local yoga instructor Kathy Damron wants to offercommunity members a way to focus and recenter themselves during a 21-day meditation program.

The Power of Connection series, which begins Monday, will include a three- to five-minute daily meditation and prompt. The program costs$30, and those interested maysign up by visiting kathydamronyoga.com.

The daily meditation practice will be delivered to participants via text message or email. Each day, the program will walk through a short meditation and some will be followed by a short prompt that invites people todive deeper into the topic discussed during the practice.

It is "all designed to help people gain perspective that while we are socially distancing, there are lots of ways that we can stay connected, even if it's just mentally," Damron said.

Damron said the 21-day program is also a good opportunity for people to decide whethermeditation is a practice they are interested in continuing long-term.

"I think it sounds really mystic to people and a little bit intimating sometimes, or at least it did to me, and it doesn't really have to be any of that," Damron said. "You don't have to have ritual or ceremony or even a special place where you meditate. You just have to find that space where you can be sort of still and quiet, three minutes, five minutes, 10 minutes whatever works best for you where you center yourself, let yourselfjust not really think about the past and future too much and allow yourself to be present."

Damron said research confirms that meditation reduces stress andallows your mind to develop the capacity to be less anxious.

Damron started meditating about 10 years ago to complement her yoga practice,she said.

"In a lot of yoga classes, there will be a very beginning section where you center yourself, you let your mind get a little stiller or calm and do some breathing exercises," Damron said. "I found it to be really very helpful."

During 2020, Damron said, meditation has given her perspective. Thinking back to the beginning of the year, there was a lot of uncertainty regarding how long the pandemic would last and how infectious the novel coronavirus would be.

"Having a meditation practice really helped me to stay focused on the present moment, what I was doing today, not really what was going to be happening down the road because we really didn't know what that meant," Damron said.

Damron said she hopes those who participate in the meditation practice develop a deeper sense of perspective and recognition that although people are socially isolated right now, they are connected to one another and the place where they live.

Read the rest here:
Topeka yoga teacher will start 2021 by offering 21-day meditation series - The Topeka Capital-Journal

If you keep up with Jessica Alba on social media, then you know that the Killers Anonymous star is basically the queen of TikTok. And while all that dancing is a great workout, youre probably wondering what else she does to stay so fit at 39.

Amid her busy lifestyle as an actress, entrepreneur, and mom of three, Alba prioritizes a consistent fitness routine and nutrient-packed diet to keep her energy going. Working out takes away that little edge so that I feel happier and more productive, and my brain can get kick-started, she once told Shape.

That said, her schedule has some wiggle room. As Ive gotten older and after I became a mom, it became more of a priority to be healthy for the right reasons, Alba told People. Its more important to have a balanced approach instead of trying to be perfect.

To stay healthy and strong, she swears by Pilates, HIIT workouts, plant-based meals, and some downtime. Heres everything Alba has shared about her active lifestyle.

Albas mentality around exercise has shifted over the years. I always thought, I need to sweat out my weight in water, I need to have muscle failure, I need to feel like I just ran a marathonthats how hard I needed to work out, she recently told Womens Health.

When the coronavirus pandemic resulted in the closure of gyms across the U.S., Alba realized she didnt have to go so hard. Ive learned to mix it up and not feel like a failure if Im not, you know, killing myself, she said, adding that sometimes a workout is just a walk while listening to a podcast. She also aims to sweat it out two to four times a week.

This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Alba is a longtime fan of hot yoga, but recently gave Reformer Pilates a try, which she credits to sculpting her abs. I feel every muscle in my core, she told Womens Health. I never even knew I had those things.

Outside of a pandemic, Alba also loves going to spin classes for a dose of cardio. I prefer it mixed in with light weights, so like a sculpting hot yoga class, she told Byrdie. Ill always work out with a friend because its more fun.

Alba incorporates high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into her fitness routine, too. I like moving around a lot. I dont like a lot of repetition, she told Byrdie. Two exercises she doesnt enjoy? Squats and plyometrics (like jump training). It makes me feel nauseous, she admitted. As for running, I feel like I have to work myself up to itI have to train to get to a point where I can run, she said. I have to get fit enough to run!

But she pushes herself when she feels the motivation to. I love my shape because it does what I want it to. If I want to go on a hike or a bike ride or go for a swim, I know my body will do everything I tell it to, she told Shape. I also appreciate that I can push myself through when Im feeling tired. Theres always a little extra something to get me past the tired moments.

This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Every week, Alba cuts down on animal products and booze. Four days a week, I try to eat plant-based, and I dont drink alcohol, the actress told Womens Health. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, all bets are off. That feels like moderation to me.

She also told Byrdie that her usual menu includes protein shakes with almond butter, banana, and coconut water. For breakfast, her go-to is avocado toast and poached eggs, and snacks always include fresh veggies and hummus or popcorn with Himalayan sea salt and coconut oil. I try to stick to a diet thats low in sugar and carbs and high in lean protein and vegetables, she told Shape.

For Alba, stocking her home with healthy foods is key to maintaining a balanced diet. Always try to have as many fresh and natural things in your diet as possible and the least amount of processed things and things that have unnatural sugars, she told Byrdie.

Along with not drinking alcohol, Alba stays hydrated with coconut water. I really love the health benefits that come with coconut water, she told Byrdie, as its a source of nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and calcium. I dont drink a ton of other types of drinks. I drink coffee, tea, and coconut waterthats it.

I think staying hydrated is really important, she added. Just making sure you do stay hydrated for glowing skin and high energy. Its important for overall health.

For Alba, meditation is key to coping with stress. When Im feeling anxious, I hold on to a crystal and do breathing exercises and try to focus on the energy of love, kindness, and calming, she told Womens Health, adding that this routine results in a healthy mind-body connection for her.

For Alba, its important to understand the full scope of what I need to be my best self for my kids, my friends, my family, my work, and most importantly, probably, for me, so I can feel moreI hate the word balanced, but maybemore connected, she said.

Go here to join Prevention Premium (our best value, all-access plan), subscribe to the magazine, or get digital-only access.

FOLLOW PREVENTION ON INSTAGRAM

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

Read the rest here:
Jessica Alba Swears by Pilates, HIIT, and Hot Yoga for Strong, Sculpted Abs at 39 - Prevention.com

Astro yoga is a combination of yoga and astrology that dates back thousands of years. Many yoga practices focus on balancing the bodys energy centers, which also have planetary, zodiac, and elemental (earth, fire, air, water, ether) associations.

Yoga offers the practices we need to access our deep sense of well-being, and astrology offers tools of how to navigate time and our life purpose, says Emily Ridout, a yoga and astrology teacher. Together, they form a powerful practice that can catapult you on the path to becoming a more potent version of yourself. Aligning your yoga practice with the timing of the cosmos and nature returns you to a more aligned, natural state.

Intrigued? Below, Ridout explains how astro yoga works, and how you can start practicing it ASAP.

The basic idea of astro yoga starts with each zodiac sign being associated with specific body parts. To harness and tap into the energy of a particular zodiac sign, you can practice yoga postures and flows that strengthen and energize the body part it rules. Heres a brief overview of what rules what:

Once you have a general understanding of which sign rules which body part(s), there are a few ways you can merge the two practices together.

One way to get started with astro yoga is by adjusting your yoga practice to correlate with astrological transits, which Ridout says can help you navigate the natural shifts of whats happening in real time in your life.

Start by figuring out where the sun is in the zodiac. For example, is it Pisces season, when the sun moves into the Pisces sign? Or Scorpio season, when the sun is entering Scorpio? (Each of these seasons lasts about a month, and a simple Google search will tell you what zodiac season were currently in.) Once you know, you can focus your yoga practice on postures and flows that energize and strengthen the body parts ruled by that sign.

During Sagittarius season, for example, youd do a lot of hip openers and thigh stretches. Leo season is great for heart-openers and backbends. And during Pisces season, youd benefit from grounding, feet-focused poses like the butterfly pose.

For a hip-opening yoga flow, watch the video below.

You can also work with the traditional seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter). Each of these seasons rules certain body parts, so you can do postures and flows that align with the current season. For example, Ridout says big heart-openers are great during the summer because the season rules the area of the upper and middle back and chest.

Fall signs rule the low back, hips, and sexual organs, so balancing on the feet, which stabilizes the hips, low back, and pelvis are the key for this season, she adds. The winter months rule the low body, thighs, knees, and feet. Spring signs rule the head, neck, and arms, so arm balancing is a great choice in spring. And in the winter, forward folding and restorative postures are key.

Another way to incorporate astrology into your yoga practice is by developing a flow based on your personal birth chart. This may also include transits, but in this method, the practices are targeted to help the practitioner integrate specific areas of their chart and life to achieve a particular outcome, such as emotional resilience, increased joy, or personal growth in career, relationships, or other areas, Ridout says.

This strategy might require the help of a practitioner, as there are many layers and specific configurations to consider. But if you want to give it a go on your own, pull up your chart and look at which planets are in which houses in your chart. Each house rules a certain area of life. So, to energize any particular area, youd look to see what zodiac sign rules that house. For example, lets say youre feeling stuck around your relationships. In this case, youd look at seventh house, which explores how you pair up in partnerships and relationships, see what zodiac sign rules it, and then hold poses associated with that sign to awaken the energy in that part of your chart. You can pick areas of life youd like to see movement in and literally create that movement using your practice, Ridout says.

You can also just stick with your own zodiac sign to optimize your astro yoga practice with poses that awaken your sign and stimulate energy associated with its corresponding body part(s). For a few examples, Aries is associated with the head, so anyone who is an Aries may try headstands, which will help tap into their inner fire. Cancer is associated with the chest and stomach area, so cat-cows would be very soothing for that sign. Libra energy is all about balance; since the sign is associated with the lower back, a tree pose would help ground that energy. And Aquarius rules the ankles, so if thats your sign, do the eagle pose, which is great for stretching the ankles.

You might be surprised to find how well your bodyand maybe your life?responds to yoga once you align you practice with the stars.

Oh hi! You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cult-fave wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good content.Sign up for Well+, our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly.

See the article here:
Astro Yoga Combines Astrology and YogaHeres How To Practice It - Well+Good

Oftentimes, the journey to our true calling is winding and unexpected. Take Lainey Morse, who went from office manager to creator of the viral trend, Goat Yoga, thanks to her natural affinity for goats and throwing parties.

Back in 2015, Lainey bought a farm in Oregon and got her first goats who she named Ansel and Adams. "Once I got them, I was obsessed," says Lainey. "It was hard to get me off the farm to go do anything else."

Right away, she noticed what a calming presence they had. "Even the way they chew their cud is relaxing to be around because it's very methodical," she says. Lainey was going through a divorce and dealing with a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis at the time, but even when things got particularly hard, the goats provided relief.

"I found it impossible to be stressed or depressed when I was with them."

She started inviting friends up to the farm for what she called "Goat Happy Hour." Soon, the word spread about Lainey's delightful, stress-relieving furry friends. At one point, she auctioned off a child's birthday party at her farm, and the mom asked if they could do yoga with the goats. And lo, the idea for goat yoga was born.

A baby goat on a yoga student. Photo courtesy of Lainey Morse

Goat yoga went viral so much so that by fall of 2016, Lainey was able to quit her office manager job at a remodeling company to manage her burgeoning goat yoga business full-time. Now she has 10 locations nationwide.

Lainey handles the backend management for all of her locations, and loves that side of the business too, even though it's less goat-related. "I still have my own personal Goat Happy Hour every single day so I still get to spend a lot of time with my goats," says Lainey. "I get the best of both worlds."

Lainey with her goat Fabio. Photo courtesy of Lainey Morse

Since COVID-19 hit, her locations have had to close temporarily. She hopes her yoga locations will be able to resume classes in the spring when the vaccine is more widely available. "I think people will need goat yoga more than ever before, because everyone has been through so much stress in 2020," says Lainey.

Major life changes like Lainey's can come around for any number of reasons. Even if they seem out of left field to some, it doesn't mean they're not the right moves for you. The new FOX series "Call Me Kat", which premieres Sunday, January 3rd after NFL and will continue on Thursday nights beginning January 7th, exemplifies that. The show is centered around Kat, a 39-year old single woman played by Mayim Bialik, who quit her math professor job and spent her life's savings to pursue her dreams to open a Cat Caf in Louisville, Kentucky.

Jeff Harry started making similar moves when he was just 10-years-old, and kept making them throughout his life. After seeing the movie "Big,"Jeff knew he wanted to play with toys for a living, so he started writing toy companies asking for next steps. He finally got a response when he was a sophomore in high school the company told him he needed to become a mechanical engineer first.

He did that, and eventually got a job with Toys R Us in the Labor Planning Department where he was almost immediately disillusioned. "There was no play, no fun, no high fives, and no kids," says Jeff.

Soon after, in late 2001, he decided to quit the business and move across the country to Oakland, California. While there, he found a job posting on Craigslist for a STEM education company called Play-Well, which uses LEGOs to teach kids about engineering. Even though they only had 7 employees and only paid $150 a week, he thought it sounded promising and applied.

Courtesy of Jeff Harry

Over the next 16 years, Jeff helped grow the company to over 400 employees. By "embracing a play-oriented mindset, we said yes to everything even if we didn't know if we would be able to figure it out," says Jeff. "We were constantly doing experiments, open to failure, not fixated on certain results." Through this method, they became the largest LEGO-inspired STEM organization in the United States.

Since they were teaching lots of kids whose parents worked in Silicon Valley, they were eventually asked to run team-building workshops with some of the top tech companies in the business. They did this for nine years and excelled at it, but eventually, Jeff began to feel like the importance of play was getting lost. In response, he created a consulting business called Rediscover Your Play, which uses positive psychology and play to help reinvigorate employees and help companies tackle workplaces challenges.

Now, he finally feels like he's found his purpose because he's living, and sharing, his passion for play every day.

Your life and career path don't have to look like anyone else's, in fact, it's usually better when they don't. If you follow your gut and buy some goats or apply to an unorthodox job posting on Craigslist, you might just open a door to one spectacular future.

So, this New Year...Quit your job. Open a cat cafe. Live your best life.

Call Me Kat premieres on FOX Sunday, January 3rd after NFL and continues on Thursdays beginning January 7th at 9/8c. Starring Mayim Bialik, the show is about a 39-year-old woman who quit her successful, yet unfulfilling, job to pursue her dreams to open a cat caf. Kat couldn't be any happier with her new life despite her mother pushing Kat to get married already!

Read the rest here:
From goat yoga to professional play, these people took risks and found their purpose through passion - Upworthy

2020 has been a year, not least because much of the world pivoted to remote work. Industries that typically rely on in-person connections, like fitness and religious institutions, found themselves having to engage their audiences through live streams. Ad revenue disappeared from influencers and YouTubers, who are used to working remotely so long as they make money. Fashion influencers whose livelihoods depend on peddling an image of beauty and aspirational clothing were without events to attend or reasons to get dressed. Everyone needed to adapt.

In this piece, we look back on a few people we previously interviewed this year to hear how their remote transition has gone do they anticipate staying remote? What have they learned from this challenging year? And will we collectively agree to forget 2020 ever happened and try to resume normalcy in 2021?

Check out what they said below, and click through on the posts to read the original pieces mentioning them.

In March, Mancao began pivoting her therapy Instagram account to address COVID-related stress and anxiety. She had just posted her first couple test posts covering the pandemic, including one called COVID-19 Compassionate Reminders, which suggested checking in on friends and family who are immunocompromised and donating to small businesses that might be struggling. She saw her Instagram as a way to reach people who might be interested in therapy but might not be able to financially afford it.

Nine months later, Mancao says shes actually moved her content away from pandemic-related topics because ample information is already available, and COVID content overload can really exhaust and burn people out. Shell post about the pandemic if necessary, though, like when she recently posted about setting boundaries with friends and family who might want to hang in-person.

Although Macaos business has managed to stay afloat with new clients, she says other therapists she knows have struggled. Clients lost their insurance and income and can no longer afford services.

Many of her clients talk about burnout and the struggle with working, living, and having time off all in the same place: their home. She herself has focused on practicing what she advises, like not working from her bed and finding a routine that works for her.

This year really taught us to find that balance between staying connected and having boundaries, she says. Instagram is still a powerful, and free, place for her to spread information, but shes found that throughout 2020, a post caption doesnt capture the nuance of every situation and circumstance.

While she decorated her tree this past weekend, Canon Vicar Dana Colley Corsello began praying for past parishioners, friends shes traveled with, her mother and others who have gifted her ornaments over the years. Dana encourages us to think of and pray for the people in our lives as we string lights and hang ornaments in the coming days. Thank you for joining us for this service of Morning Prayer and Reflection. Your support is appreciated! *Please note that these services are filmed in advance.*

Eckstrom and the team at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, were preparing for virtual Easter services when we last chatted. The team had already been streaming live services on Sundays, but Easter was a major test of their remote work. Its an essential day for the cathedral, which is typically packed with 3,000 people in the building. The remote operation involved only 10 people in the building at once with the clergy tailoring the service to the pandemic. They took spiritual communions in which they consecrated the bread and wine without actually consuming it. They said a special prayer, too, which expressed that they wanted to take communion but couldnt at that time.

The team is now preparing for Christmas services, and in the months since the pandemic started, the cathedrals services have reached 1.8 million people and average between 6,000 and 7,500 people streaming Sunday morning services. The cathedral team has focused its live stream efforts on how best to make services resonate remotely, rather than making them an afterthought.

We will be doing essentially two separate versions of the same thing for the foreseeable future, and thats a kind of a radical shift for us to put as much energy and attention into an online experience as we are into the in-person experience, Eckstrom says.

Although some global viewers might eventually return to their home church when cities, states, and countries eventually open up, Eckstrom says some attendees say the virtual ceremonies have become a routine they want to continue. The cathedral considers the online world a second location at this point and will continue to stream after the pandemic wanes.

At the same time, however, monetizing the streams hasnt been easy, especially with no in-person visits. The cathedral anticipates a loss of $5 million this year, mainly because of the lack of tourists buying things in the gift shop and caf, and from the loss in event rentals. The team now solicits online donations, and although people have given money, it hasnt made up for the lack of in-person visitors.

People want to make a visceral physical connection, he says. And thats really hard to replicate online. We can use some of [the in-person cathedral experience], but not all of it, so were really anxious to be able to reopen the door, so that people can have that experience that weve been working on developing for about 113 years.

Theo Gove-Humphries and Bee Roper had planned, before the pandemic, to fly themselves and their van from the UK to Canada and make their way throughout North America. But as soon as their visas were approved, Canada banned most inbound flights. The UK then shut its borders, too. The couple decided to move into the home of a friend, who themselves was stuck abroad, and focused on writing an ebook about their Scandinavian travels. YouTube sponsorship opportunities slowed down and their ad revenue decreased, so they need to find a way to diversify their income.

Gove-Humphries and Roper say their YouTube revenue is back, and theyre thriving on the platform now that everyone is stuck at home and streaming videos. They left the UK as soon as they could and traveled to Portugal where they own property and a barn, which theyve focused on fixing up. This is the first time theyve lived in a house in six years.

Owning the land where we are right now in Portugal was one of our best decisions because living in a van full-time, its all fine and well, but I always had that feeling that we never really belonged somewhere, like there was nowhere to fall back on, says Gove-Humphries. So having our own land where we can go, where we know that were not going to be moved on, or we know that were legally allowed to be here, is quite good. Even if youre not here, its good for your mental health to know that you have got somewhere to fall back on, and this worked out brilliantly.

Roper says multiple people they know, fellow vanlifers, looked into buying their own homes since the pandemic for this same reason.

It is quite scary when the whole world locks down, and youve got no way youre allowed to be, she says.

Still, they look forward to traveling again. Their original North America trip is still on the table, but theyre thinking itll happen in 2022 rather than next year, realistically.

Katie Baki almost immediately started hosting donation-based yoga classes on Zoom when the studios she worked at shut down in March. She appreciated being able to see students practice when their cameras were on and being able to record classes for later. She managed to set the mood by emailing her students Spotify playlists so they could recreate the yoga class ambiance in their own homes.

Baki now teaches four classes remotely a week for her own clients and two classes for a virtual studio. Her clients have stuck with her throughout the pandemic, which she greatly appreciates, but she says finding new students is seemingly impossible without the reach of in-person classes. Plus, she now competes directly with bigger studios that can afford to charge less than her.

I dont know if its sustainable, to be completely honest, she says. Im sure that there are ways, but the teachers that Ive spoken with, every yoga teacher is struggling. A lot of them only teach once a week, and a lot of students expect them to be free classes, and our industry got hit really, really hard, and its been challenging.

Zoom classes have more or less acted like a Band-Aid on a large wound for Baki, and shes ready to get back to in-person classes. She might continue teaching a couple remotely for viewers outside of her area, but otherwise, in-person classes are where she feels both she and the students get the most benefit.

Elizabeth Savetskys fashion Instagram feed pivoted quickly when the pandemic took hold in the US. Instead of her usual glitzy looks and fun event photos, she posted herself with minimal makeup and her natural, wavy hair. She sang to her followers, who never knew she had a nice singing voice. She couldnt rely on the same style or type of content she had been making previously, and couldnt hire a photographer to help her take photos. At the same time, she had to strike the right tone and figure out what her followers wanted they loved her luxurious, cool looks before, but would they still want that when they were all at home wearing sweatpants?

After months of being stuck at home, Savetsky says her followers seemingly want lighthearted, aspirational content again. She participated in her first professional photoshoots in around six months recently and says her followers crave a fantasy world where they could be dressing up and celebrating the holidays.

People arent traveling, she says. People arent getting to do their normal holiday season glamorous gatherings and parties and all of that, and so to be able to give them a little bit of that on Instagram is, thats kind of [my] angle.

Thats only the Instagram grid, however. Savetsky says throughout the pandemic shes given her followers a peek into her real life, and they likely will want that to continue. The brands want that, too. Savetsky says the brand deals are coming back to her account but now involve more focus on her struggles and day-to-day life. Her followers are buying from her posts, too, she says, which she thinks reflects the lack of spending in other areas of their lives, like travel.

I feel like my audience really responds to this real factor. Its nice to have the fantasy, but its not relatable, and people want to see your everyday life, especially when the world is hurting, she says. I think its kind of shown me that its not about the setting, or about the product, but its about me, and people wanting a window into my life.

More:
We asked an influencer, yoga teacher, and others how their pandemic pivots went - The Verge

It felt like an extravagance when I finally bought myself the FeetUp Trainer, but my justification went something like this: when the world feels upside down, perhaps its wise to literally look at life from that perspective. The FeetUp Trainer, which is on the better-made end of yoga benches out there, helps you to more easily do inversions of all kinds without injury or discomfort. This allows you to enjoy the circulatory and mood benefits of headstands and upside down poses for much longer than you would be able to on your own.

After doing some research on the best yoga benches out there, I landed on the FeetUp Trainer for a few reasons. Its made with high-quality vegan leather and wood, ethically manufactured, and also comes with a helpful two-sided poster of creative poses you can do on the bench. It also looked aesthetically pleasing, so I knew I wouldnt mind leaving it out in order to remember to use it more frequently.

I like to exercise, but find I slack when it comes to a very necessary component of fitness and general wellbeing: stretching. Having this tool around makes the prospect more playful while I watch TV or listen to a podcast or even meditate upside down. If I dont feel like inverting, this bench also helps make all kinds of stretches deeper, more supportive, and safer. I find it especially helps cushion the Half Pigeon pose, and makes arm balances more supportive.

If you are having trouble finding the fun in stretching or exercise, perhaps its time to give in to the topsy-turvy world were in right now and spend some time upside down. You might find you even get some good ideas there. (Some also claim inversions help your digestive system, though not too soon after a meal.) All in all, Im glad I shelled out the $150 for this bench, and think it makes a great gift for yourself or a loved one who misses yoga class while in quarantine.

Scouted selects products independently and prices reflect what was available at the time of publish. Sign up for our newsletter for even more recommendations. Dont forget to check out our coupon site to find activewear deals from Nike, adidas, and more. If you buy something from our posts, we may earn a small commission.

Continue reading here:
A FeetUp Trainer To Invest In Yoga and Mental Health At Home - The Daily Beast

Koya Webb can sit on the ground with her legs extended straight up and out to the sides, her arms parallel to the floor, grasping her feet. The celebrity yoga instructor and health coach can unfurl into a headstand, tilt into a backbend, and balance on one foot like an ice skater.

A post shared by Koya Webb (she/her) (@koyawebb)

"If anyone sees me on social media, they're like, 'you're so flexible, you're so strong,'" told Insider.

But that wasn't always the case. A former track athlete with a chance to go to the Olympics, Webb suffered a back injury that ultimately ended that career. It was caused by overuse, poor sleep, and tight muscles, she said."I couldn't touch my toes," Webb said.

But Webb's recovery led her to yoga which, at the beginning, was simply deep breathing. Now she helps her followers and clients, who've included Stevie Wonder, India Aire, P. Diddy, and Ashley Judd, embrace daily self-care something particularly critical during the holiday season capping off what for many was a tragic, life-altering year.

"I believe when we have challenges, they're actually meant to make us stronger," Webb said. "So no matter how rough, no matter how debilitating, no matter how sad, that if we're able to grow through the challenges and learn more about ourselves, learn more about others and learn more about the world, then actually that's the silver lining."

Webb talked to Insider about a few simple techniques anyone can use to find calm, and even joy, this season.

Eye yoga involves closing your eyes while intentionally moving your eyeballs in various directions. While there's no evidence that the practice can treat various eye diseases or improve vision, as some practitioners promote, it has been shown to reduce eye strain and is an accessible, subtle, and risk-free way to de-stress.

"The average American is in front of the phone or the computer at least four hours a day," Webb said, "and so that can cause eye strain and tension headaches, and it can add on to anxiety."

To practice eye yoga, simply close your eyes and take a few deep breaths while imagining the stress leave your eyes as you exhale. Then, with your eyes still closed, look all the way down, look all the way to the right, all the way up, and all the way to the left. Then, repeat in the opposite direction.

Roll your eyes in more fluid circles both directions, too, like you're massaging the backs of your eyelids with your eyeballs, Webb explained.

Finally, rub the palms of your hands together until they're warm, then place them on your closed eyes while zig-zagging your eyeballs once more.

Webb recommends doing eye yoga for just two minutes after every 30 minutes of computer use. You can also simply close your eyes really tight, and then blink them a couple of times to release the tension. "It also helps puffiness in the eyes if you didn't get sleep the night before," she said. "So it's really great to just do a little yoga every single day."

A post shared by Koya Webb (she/her) (@koyawebb)

Webb also recommends deep breathing as an alternative to full-body yoga.

"So many times people feel like they have to get a mat or have fancy yoga clothes to do yoga, but you don't have to," she said. But anyone can practice mindful movement, meditation, and breath work, which "really helps calm anxiety," Webb said.

"It really does help you turn on your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps you rest and digest, which most of us need because we're eating a lot andwe're also not as not getting as much sleep at this time," she said.

For beginners, Webb recommends a three-part breath: Inhale for five seconds, hold for five seconds, and exhale for five seconds. Repeat while involving the shoulders, bringing them up, holding them, and releasing them along with your breath.

"Anyone can do this, whether you're at work or at home, just these little eye yoga and breathing exercises will help release some of that tension out of your shoulders, help your eyes relax," Webb said. "And you're going to feel a lot better."

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification.

Read the original here:
How to ease stress with eye yoga: Celebrity yoga teacher Koya Webb - Insider - INSIDER