Yoga Holidays in Spain

5 Ways to Inspire a Regular Yoga Practice

2012-02-15T04:40:00.000-08:00

Practicing yoga regularly can sometimes seem bit of a chore. Here's 5 easy ways to keep you motivated:

1. Try new things! Don't always stick to the same routine. Energise your practice by introducing new things - particularly if you don't feel like you are progressing. Seek inspiration and ideas by searching the web or trying a new yoga class / studio. One of our favourite online sources of inspiration is Yoga Journal

2. Take your practice outdoors. Changing where you practice brings a fresh perspective & can sometimes dictate what you can include in your pratice. If you can't get outside, choose a different spot in your house or adourn your practice area with objects that uplift you - family photo, incense, sentimental jewels, fresh flowers and so on.

3. Book a private class.   Work with someone who knows what they're talking about & who can highlight areas that you could improve.  If the cost of a private class is out of the question, share it with a friend or ask the teacher if he/she knows of anyone else you can share the time with.

4. Do a little everyday. Don't beat yourself up - or use it as an excuse - if you can't spare 30-60 minutes for your practice.  A little everyday really does make a huge difference. You'll notice the positive benefits of a 'little & often' practice.   Aim to include 5-10mins a day on waking .. or evening if that suits your schedule.

5. Eat lightly for energy.  Choose foods that are easy to digest and as close as possible to their natural state. Foods that are clean & light on the digestive system are easier to digest & absorb .. hence you'll not feel too sluggish to roll out your mat.   Aim to eat a palm size portion of protein with every meal & avoid sugary foods & caffeine (if you can!), these make your body crash, leaving you with little energy & so you crave your next fix of sugar or caffeine for instant (but short lived) energy.

Riding the Yin Energy of Winter

2011-12-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

During the winter months we have less energy and yet, in the run up to Christmas, we race around visiting friends, partying and go shopping for presents and delicious Christmas food.

In the natural world (plants & animals) winter is the time for restoration and energy conservation.  Many animals hibernate, slow down and do less - maybe your pets are sleeping more.  Nature retreats, conserving its energy ready for Spring.

It is said there are two forces that govern universal energy. These are the 'Yin' and 'Yang' energies. The Yin time of year begins in autumn & continues into winter. Yin energy is characterised as being quieter, cooler, darker, slower.   Whereas spring and summer are the opposite known as 'yang' - brighter, warmer, faster, extrovert .

So, if you feel especially tired over the Christmas season, its because you're trying to go against the flow of nature. Slow down andlet your body yield to the yin peace and stillness that it craves.

Here's a little facial massage to enjoy during these winter Yin months courtesy of Yoga Journal.

Start by pouring two tablespoons of room-temperature oil into a small bowl - sesame, almond or sunflower are ideal. Dip your fingers into the oil and begin by rubbing it onto the bridge of your nose. Using both hands in a circular motion, massage the oil outward across your face, from cheekbones to ears and upward from temples to hairline. Then rub the oil in gentle lines from the upper lip to the cheekbones and the ears. Using your index finger, put oil on the outer and inner rims of your nostrils. With three fingers of each hand, rub from the nostrils to the ears in a linear motion, taking time to massage the entire ear. Next, massage your brow and pat your closed eyelids. Finish by gently prodding the skin under your jawbone to the base of your neck. When you're through, you'll feel centered, refreshed, and ready to face the world.

Let me know what you think of the facial and my blog!

Why Yoga?

2011-11-29T06:38:00.000-08:00

If you do no other form of exercise, do yoga.
Why? Simply because it has so many benefits.

Yoga positively affects the health of all organs, glands and muscles as well as tone and sculpt the outer body - which it does exceedingly well!
A good yoga class will incorporate postures that move and lubricate each and every part of the body, stimulating the circulation of blood deeply within rather than just around the body's outer edge.

Yoga postures improve the health of the inner body by opening, stretching, twisting and squeezing every organ and every gland; including the liver, lungs, kidneys, spleen, intestines, stomach, heart etc.

Twists make a frequent appearance in a yoga class - they're not the only movements you'll do - but just imagine what happens inside when you perform a spinal twist. You literally 'wring out' your internal organs helping them to release their accumulated waste thus speeding up the body's cleansing system. If this isn't enough, a twist will also stretch the multitude of muscles and ligaments around the spine thus keeping the spine supple and flexible. But wait, the benefits don't stop there! When you release out of a twist, a fresh supply of blood floods back into those same organs bringing fresh nutrients and oxygen to boost cellular and organ health.

A regular yoga practice will also:

* soften muscle and ligament tissue increasing their flexibility & reducing the risk of injury

* bring both bones and muscles gently back into their optimum alignment

* lubricate the joints

* improve both the oxygenation of blood and its circulation bringing an inner glow to your skin, making your eyes shine and your hair gleam

* help your body detoxify by encouraging organs and cells to release their accumulated waste

* improve the elasticity of the lungs through deep yogic breathing techniques

* produce a deep sense of relaxation and peace of mind as a result you feel calm and in control

* create a gorgeous, lean, muscled 'yoga body'

Practice yoga and you'll feel more at home in your body and more harmonious in your life. You'll sleep better and concentrate more easily, and stress will simply slide over you.

What are you waiting for? Grab your mat & get going!

Article supplied by Nicole @ Yoga Breaks in Spain www.yogabreaks.org.uk

Immune Boosting Smoothie

2011-11-17T05:27:00.000-08:00

During the Autumn/Winter season our immune system has to work that little bit harder fighting the invasion of colds & coughs viruses. To keep your immunity in tip top health, try this delicious smoothie.

Really easy to make - all you need is a hand blender.

Ingredients:

* 2 handfuls fresh, washed spinach

* quarter inch piece of ginger - peeled & finely chopped (optional, can be omited if you don't like ginger)

* 1 ripe pear roughly chopped (core & stalk removed)

* 1 inch slice cucumber - chopped

* 1 ripe banana - peeled of course!

* optional half ripe avocado (de-stoned & skin removed)

* fresh orange juice - add to suit

Place all fruits & veggies plus a little of the orange juice in a large jug & blend together. Add more orange juice as you keep blending until you get a consistency you're happy with. If you like your smoothies thick like yoghurt, don't add too juice, or, keep adding the liquid until you get a consistency you like. Sip & Enjoy - you're getting your 4 of your 5 a day!

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8 Tips to help you choose a Yoga Holiday

2011-10-24T06:44:00.000-07:00

So, you're thinking of taking a yoga holiday but little unsure about how to choose the right one? You've done your research & discovered there are LOADS of yoga holidays out there, so how do you choose the best one for you?

We've organised and run Yoga Holidays in Spain for 7 years & have immensely enjoyed meeting many, many people some of whom have become firm friends. So, as yoga holiday organisers, we thought you might find our knowledge useful when deciding which Yoga Holiday out there is the best one for you. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Happy holidays!

1. How long can you get away for?
If you don't have many days available to take a holiday, you won't want to spend too much of your precious holiday time travelling.

Long haul destinations might seem attractive, but don't forget the jet lag "factor" - you don't want to waste time adjusting to a new time zone on your arrival or "re-entry" back home.   Don't be fooled into thinking all Europen yoga holidays are easy to get to either!   Some yoga holiday venues are many kilometres from an airport or, the nearest airport is a "local" one with limited - often expensive - flights from your country. Which leads me onto Tip Nr. 2

2. How far is the yoga holiday venue from a main airport?
Ask how far the venue is from a main airport & what options you have to reach the holiday venue. Some venues are remote with irregular or lengthy public transport options.   You'll want to keep your travelling time to a minimum, so find out if the holiday organisers offer an airport transfer service to take you directly & quickly to the venue.
Top Tip! If there is an airport transfer service, ask what time their transfers operate so you can book your flights around these times ... why wait at the airport for longer than necessary?

3. What is your Budget for the holiday?
An obvious question!   But its worth checking exactly what is & what isn't included in the holiday as you may need to factor in extra costs such as single supplement if you don't want to share a room, drinks, lunches or the cost of optional activities or therapies you might like.

Your budget will be a major factor in helping you decide which holidays are within your price range.   But be cautious. A holiday is only cheap because they don't include the same quantity, quality or facilities, as those that ask a little more.   Be honest, are you happy sharing your bedroom with someone you don't know, or wandering back & forth to communal bathrooms?   If your accommodation is going to be a tent, ask yourself - seriously - do you really want to spend several nights under canvas? "Glamping" sounds romantic but how do you feel about midges & creepy crawlies, the possible lack of space, the heat in the middle of the day when you might want a rest or, heaven forbid, if it rains?
Top Tip! Ask to see photos of the accommodation that you would be staying in. Don't have any surprises when you arrive,

4. The Yoga
Being as this could be the main activity of the holiday, it's important you are 100% happy with it.   Find out how much yoga is included in the programme, what level it is aimed at and where it takes place.

If you don't practice yoga very much now - or at all - find out how many sessions are in the programme and if you can opt out of a session or three if you need to take it easy.    Ask about the typical guests that book the holidays - their age and level of experience - so you have a better idea of who could be sharing the space with.

It's very wise to check the experience & qualifications of the teacher/s too - especially if you are a beginner. A good teacher is able to modify the yoga postures so that everyone - regardless of experience - can participate. Qualifications & insurance are very important for your safety.   Don't be afraid to ask for the qualifications of the teacher/s - you can check if they really do hold those qualifications by contacting the organisation they say they have trained with.    Sadly, we've heard from past guests of other yoga holidays they've taken where the teachers seemed to have little idea on class safety, how to structure a class properly or even bother to engage with the students.    What a shame.

Ask where the yoga sessions take place.   If it's somewhere different from where you will be staying, how long does it take to get there, is there protection from the elements (wind/sun/rain)?  If yoga is on the beach - is it a public beach? perhaps there will be families/children relaxing nearby, will this disturb you? Why not ask to see photos of the yoga practice space?

Top Tip! If your holiday includes 2 yoga sessions a day & you worry whether you'll be able to keep up, ask them to recommend some yoga dvd's you can practice with at home before the holiday to help build your stamina.

5. Do you want a holiday somewhere remote or within easy walking distance of a local town / the beach?
Somewhere remote might seem idyllic, but in our experience, by day 3 guests are going stir crazy to leave the "complex" and see something of the local culture.    So if you choose a remote yoga holiday, do they have bikes you can use (is there a hire fee?), is there a bus/train station nearby? Or, do they offer optional activities that give you a chance to explore locally?

6.   What does the Itineray look like?
Are you happy with the amount of free time in the programme? What optional activities/therapies are available? What time are the yoga sessions?    Are there any talks or workshops to help you develop your learning?

7. The Food!
As well as finding out how many meals are included in the holiday price, you might also like to ask what type of food is served. Traditionally, yogis follow a vegetarian diet as it is cleaner on the digestive system and easier to digest.    If you don't think you can manage to be a veggie for the duration of the holiday, ask if there will be any fish or meat options.    What about alcohol?   Some yoga retreats are strict and do not offer any alcohol - or caffeine.    Are you happy to go without?

Top tip! If you have a special diet or want to avoid certain foods for the holiday, ask if they can supply what you need - ie. dairy free, wheat free, sugar free - or, if you can bring a small supply with you.

8. Look at their Reviews
At the end of the day, you're going to choose the holiday that appeals to you the most but do pay attention to what previous guests - or the press - have said about the holiday, if you like what they say, chances are, the holiday is right for you.

We hope these Tips help you decide which yoga holiday is the best for you and that you enjoy your yoga holiday experience.     Nicole & Gary, Yoga Breaks in Spain http://www.yogabreaks.org.uk/

Yoga Holiday Guests Head for Walk in Altea, Spain.

2011-10-18T03:48:00.000-07:00

Yoga Holiday Guest Review

2011-10-07T06:38:00.000-07:00

Narissa from London reviews her Yoga Break Experience

Yoga Holiday Guest Reveiw

2011-10-07T06:26:00.000-07:00

Helen from London.

Heal the Body Naturally.

2011-10-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

Can the Mind heal the Body?

Well yes, the mind can be used to heal everyday ailments & pains.    Interested?

When the body is in pain, it affects the way you hold yourself, think, act and speak.   You feel uncomfortable, irritable and lack energy – all of which affects the way you interact in your world.

Research proves that the mind affects how the body feels and likewise, the body can affect the mind. It's a known fact that if you think positive, happy thoughts you feel lighter and energised. Contrary, think negative, depressing thoughts & you immediately feel heavy and lifeless.

So the key is to make a concious effort to continually cultivate a peaceful, happier state of mind which in turn will ensure the body feels calmer, energised and at ease ..... even when we feel less than optimum such as when we have a headache, a cold or any other everyday twinge & ailment.

Yoga places emphasis on the role of the mind in the healing process and includes numerous techniques, including meditation, to calm the mind and channel its power into physical and emotional healing.

A regular yoga practice of postures and breathing techniques will help quiet the mind and, if illness or a sedentary lifestyle has left the body weakened, yoga will help it become healthy and strong again and the mind will once again be clear and able to cultivate a happier, joyful existence. Isn’t that how you’d rather live your life?

Try this healing exercise supplied by Yoga Breaks in Spain
.

Exercise to Calm the Mind & Heal the Body

Try this exercise and see if it alters the way your body and mind feel. You might want to read it through a few times so that it feels familiar, then try doing what it suggests with your eyes closed or have someone read the exercise to you.

Sit in a comfortable, upright meditation posture – in a chair if you cannot sit on the floor. Close & become aware of your breath as the chest gently rises and falls.

Now, focus on your right foot, and imagine that your right foot is filled with a clear white light. You can visualize it, or simply think, "My right foot is full of light."

Focus on your left foot, and imagine light filling each part of the foot—the toes, the sole, the arch. You may use your breath as well, breathing into each part of the body as you feel it fill with light.

Be aware of the right ankle, and feel it filling with light. Now, the left ankle. The right calf—bone, muscle, and skin. The left calf. The right thigh, and then the left.

Bring your awareness up into your pelvis, hips, buttocks. Feel them filled with light, as you touch them with your breath.

Let your awareness continue to rise into the lower abdomen, bringing light to the whole area, the flesh and the abdominal organs. Say to yourself "My abdomen has become light."

Now feel the light enter your lower spine. Again, say to yourself, "My spine is made of clear white light."

Imagine the light in your upper abdomen and midback, in your chest and rib cage. Feel your heart and lungs expand with the light. Let it fill your back ribs and your upper spine. Then feel it in your right arm—from the upper arm all the way down to your fingertips. Now, feel it in your left arm.

Let the light infuse your neck. Feel it fill your skull. Your forehead. Your eyebrows and eyes. Your nose. Your cheeks. Your mouth has turned to light, and your tongue and teeth.

Feel your brain completely illuminated by the light.

Think, "My entire body is light. Light fills every particle of blood, every cell, every membrane and organ. I am light."

As you inhale, feel that you are breathing in particles of light. As you exhale, let the light flow out into the world.

Rest now in this body of light and enjoy the sensations that you feel in the body and mind.

Yoga for Beginners - All you Need to Know

2006-12-11T09:12:00.000-08:00

If the idea of going to a yoga class makes you nervous, then my 1 page fact sheet will unravel some of the mysteries on what happens at a yoga class.

Sure, it can be a little intimidating starting something new. But, yoga is not supposed to add stress to your life - quite the opposite.

Mail me to receive my 1 page "Starting Yoga" fact sheet, email: helloyogabreaks@gmail.com. Or join one of our yoga holidays in Spain http://www.yogabreaks.org.uk/