Quick Tips for Stress Reduction

Autumn Adams

yoga-meditation-retreat

Stress is so pervasive in today’s world. Just about every person I meet is struggling with stress and stress management. We have so many demands placed on us daily and in our strive for perfection, for climbing to the top we forget to slow down, to get off of our computers and take time for relaxation. Sometimes as a yoga instructor I feel like I’m expected to be perfect, to have my shit together, when really there are some days where I am literally just hanging on by a thread…. just like everyone else. Sometimes I forget to practice what I preach, so maybe that’s why I am writing this blog post. To remind myself that reducing stress can be utterly simple… it’s just a matter of using the tools we’ve been given.

The physiological signs of stress are the same for everyone: increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and constricts peripheral blood vessels. How it outwardly manifests varies from person to person. Some react to stressful situations with an overexcited stress response characterized by being quick to become fired up or by being quick to express agitation or anger. Others may react with an under-excited stress response characterized by depression or by shutting down in stressful situations. Your “typical” stress response will determine what kind of activities you need to truly reduce stress. Those with overexcited stress responses will need activities that are quieter, while those with under-active stress responses will need more stimulating exercises.

Maintained high levels of stress are associated with all sorts of health problems including, but not limited to: obesity, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, depression, gastrointestinal problems, and asthma. High levels of stress may also lead to adrenal fatigue, accelerated aging and premature death. If stress management isn’t part of your daily routine now may be the time to start.

The following is a short list of activities for stress management.

  1. Focus on your breath. Close your eyes and bring your awareness to your breath. Become aware of the quality of your breath and the texture of your breath. Begin to lengthen your breath. Inhale for a count of 4 or 5 and exhale for a count of 4 or 5 and allow the breath to deepen without strain. If you find it hard to focus on your breath place one hand on your belly and one hand on your chest. Witness the breath for 3-5 minutes. Notice how you feel afterward.
  2. Move your body. Go for a walk. Practice a few yoga postures (1/2 sun salutations or more) in which you can connect breath with movement.
  3. Get some fresh air. Eat your lunch outside. Leave your phone in the office. Take a walk around the block. Go for a hike/bike ride before or after work.
  4. De-clutter your workspace. Having a clean workspace means you aren’t wasting time shifting things around on your desk. It also means that those pesky tasks that are piling up won’t be staring you in the face.
  5. On the same note. Get organized… perhaps even hire someone to help you become organized. Time management is a huge part of stress management. You’ll be able to spend more time doing the important tasks and less time doing the menial tasks.
  6. Reach out to a calm friend that is also a good listener and enjoy a little face time…. real face time, not the cell phone version.
  7. Make time for meditation. Any type of meditation. There are plenty of apps that you can use if you’d like a guided meditation. Some option are listed here in my meditation blog post. You don’t need to meditate for 20 minutes or an hour. Start with 5 minutes and work from there. Taking just a few minutes a day for quiet meditation is proven to work wonders.
  8. Yoga nidra is another technique that can be used for stress management. There are many recorded classes on YouTube of varying quality and length, I have a downloadable yoga nidra on offer for those that subscribe to my newsletter. You may also find that some of the local yoga studios and wellness centers offer live guided yoga nidras.
  9. Massage. The power of touch is phenomenal. Whether you visit a professional for a massage or give yourself a 5 minute massage you will feel much more relaxed afterward.
  10. Drop into a yoga class. A good class will include plenty of movement, breath work, meditation and also time for rest.

Resources:

http://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/stress-management-approaches-for-preventing-and-reducing-stress

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/basics/stress-basics/hlv-20049495

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm

37 Stress Management Tips from the Experts

Autumn Adams
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Bali Yoga Retreat Packing List

Autumn Adams

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You’ve booked your trip to Bali for your very first yoga retreat… now what? Well it’s time to start thinking about packing your bags for your trip. If you’re like me you like lists, so I’ve created this Bali Yoga Retreat Packing List. I hate forgetting things at home and lists help keep me sane. This list is a basic list for your Bali yoga retreat. I’m sure there will be things you will want to add.

What do you put on that Bali yoga retreat packing list? What do you pack for a yoga retreat anyway? Well that depends on the activities you’ll be participating in…. what other activities does your yoga holiday include? Hiking? Swimming? Surfing? Meditation? Visiting temples? You get the picture. Figure out what your additional activities are and that will help you with your packing. I’ve created a general yoga retreat packing list for the yogis attending my weeklong yoga retreat in Bali this November and I thought I would share it here with all of my readers.

Bali Yoga Retreat Packing List:

Yoga Stuff:

  • yoga pants (4+ pairs)
  • yoga shorts (1 pair)
  • sports bra (3+)
  • underwear (7+)
  • long sleeve hoody or cardigan (1)
  • lightweight, quick drying tank top/t-shirt (4+)
  • sarong (1)
  • yoga mat

Regular Clothing:

  • Comfy long pants (1-2)
  • Lightweight long sleeve (1-2)
  • Shorts (2+)
  • Tanks/T-shirts (4+)
  • Undergarments
  • Socks (1 pair)
  • Hiking shoes, trail runners, sneakers, etc. (1 pair)
  • Sandals (1 pair)
  • Rain Jacket (just in case) (1)
  • Swimsuit (1-2)
  • Pajamas

Other Stuff:

  • journal and pen
  • book
  • camera and charger
  • sunscreen
  • natural bug spray (lemongrass essential oil or lemon eucalyptus both work great)
  • toiletries
  • money for extra excursions, massages, gratuity
  • refillable waterbottle
  • headlamp

 

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Moroccan Spiced Carrot Bruschetta

Autumn Adams

One of my favorite restaurants in Bend is a Lebanese restaurant called Kebaba, and I always have to order their carrot and feta jam…. its so deliciously sweet and savory. Somehow we ended up with four bags of carrots in our refrigerator, so I figured trying to recreate this deliciousness was a good way to put a dent in our carrot stash. I however did not make carrot jam, but chose to make some pickled spiced carrots instead and used goat cheese instead of feta… and french bread instead of pita, so it really wasn’t the same at all, but it was equally as delicious. I came across a recipe on EdibleFeast.com that looked just about right, modded it out and here is my EdibleFeast/Kebaba inspired Moroccan Spiced Carrot Bruschetta.

healthy-carrot-recipe

Moroccan Spiced Carrot Bruschetta (serves 6 as an appetizer)

Ingredientshealthy-carrot-bruschetta

  • 1/2 pound (maybe a little more) of grated carrots
  • 3 T. olive oil
  • 1 1/2 T. apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 T. white wine vinegar
  • 1 1/2 t. honey
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
  • 1 large-ish garlic clove, minced or pressed
  • a thumbnail size piece of fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ras-el-hanout (moroccan spice blend – see below)
  • cayenne, to taste
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 5 oz. goat cheese
  • one loaf of crusty french bread

Directions for Morrocan Spiced Carrot Bruschetta

  1. Combine shredded carrots (I used my food processor because I’m lazy…even too lazy to use my mandoline) with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, white wine, honey, parsley, garlic, fresh ginger, ras-el-hanout, cayenne, and salt and pepper. Mix it up, cover it and put it in the fridge for a couple of hours.
  2. Preheat your broiler. Slice your french bread into 1/2 inch slices and then toast under the broiler until just golden.
  3. While the bread is still warm spread the goat cheese on.
  4. To serve top your toasts with the carrots and you’re all set.

Ras-el-hanout

You likely have all the spices in your pantry, you do not need to go out and buy the blend, just make it yourself. This recipe is from Epicurious… I only made a couple of changes as noted below. This is a flavor combo that I’ve seen show up in other moroccan dishes that I’ve made, so I’m pretty sure my remaining spice blend will be used up quickly.

Ingredients for Ras-el-hanout

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger (I ommitted and used fresh ginger in the recipe instead)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • dash or two of ground nutmeg (my addition)

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients, stir them up and store in an airtight jar. Should keep for a month or so according to Epicurious.
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Top 5 Restaurants in Ubud

Autumn Adams

Ubud has the best vegetarian, vegan, raw food I’ve ever come across and they’re all so convenient. I’ve been blessed with multiple opportunities to spend time in Ubud, in fact I will be there this fall leading a yoga retreat in the mountains of central Bali. For those of you that know me well, you know that I am a flexitarian, as in I eat mostly vegetarian, but occasionally splurge for some protein. This is how my body seems to work and feel its best. It is incredibly easy to eat healthy, balanced meals at the many Ubud restaurants catering to yogis and other health conscious travelers.

Ubud Restaurants for Foodies and Health Conscious Travelers

Clear Cafe

vegetarian-raw-restaurant-ubud

There are hundred of restaurants in Ubud… quality Ubud restaurants are almost a dime a dozen, but one of my favorite places to hang out and have a cool drink and a snack is Clear Cafe. The view is incredible, the atmosphere is just right, and the food is delicious. Yes, it is slightly out of town, but only a few minutes by scooter/ojek. The Green Hornet Cooler.. is just that cooling. I couldn’t drink one every day (well I could, but I shouldn’t) this smoothie of sorts is packed with cacao, mint, coconut, cashew mylk and spirulina…woohoo. Their Suki Sushi, raw pizzas, and bamboo rolls are all divine too. Check out their menu.

Jalan Campuhan, Ubud, Kec. Gianyar, Bali
8 a.m.-11 p.m.

Dayu’s Warung

Last Autumn when we spent 6 weeks in Bali I may have eaten raw vegan pie every single day…. okay not every day, but definitely more days than not and this little restaurant is why. Not only are their pies out of this world, but their staff is so sweet. Service can be a bit slow at times, but it’s always with a smile and it’s always worth the wait. They’re traditional dishes are great too. I loved their gado-gado, vegetarian mango tempeh curry, vegetarian mie goreng and their nasi campur.

Jalan Sugriwa #28x, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali
8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Ibu Rai’s Bar & Restaurant


best-restaurant-in-ubud

This place is so AMAZING!!! Ibu Rai is one of the most splurge worthy Ubud restaurants. The food is considered pricey by Bali standards, but it is worth every single rupiah (and honestly it’s still half the price of a meal at home). I haven’t had a single bad dish here. The seafood is fantastic, the duck is fantastic, their desserts are spot on. I also appreciate that they have delicious non-alcoholic drinks available that are fancy and fun without a ton of sugar.

Jalan Monkey Forest No. 72, Ubud, Kec. Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
8 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Kafe and Garden Kafe at the Yoga Barn

These restaurants are owned by the same family and have very similar menus. I recommend their raw vegan lasagna… it’s heavenly and comforting just like lasagna should be. I ate at Garden Kafe a lot during my teacher training at the Yoga Barn. I particularly loved their Living Granola with a banana on the side for breakfast. Their egg dishes were pretty good and same with their macro bowl. Lunch was usually lasagna, raw sushi, raw pizza, or one of their raw pasta dishes topped off with some type of sweet treat and jamu for the road. At Kafe I enjoyed Meg’s Bowl, the vegetarian lumpia and their carrot ginger soup.

Garden Kafe: at the Yoga Barn (Jln Hanoman/Pengoseken and Jln Tebesaya), Ubud; 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. 
Kafe: Jalan Hanoman No. 44B, Padangtegal, Ubud; 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Bali Buda Cafe

Bali Buda is right across the street from Radiantly Alive Yoga Studio. When I was practicing at Radiantly Alive I was so happy to have Bali Buda right across the street. A fresh juice and their raw vegan food platter was my go-to post yoga fuel. Prices here might be a little higher than Kafe and Garden Cafe. They have an extensive, thoughtfully planned menu full of super tasty goodies.

Jalan Jembawan No. 1, Ubud
6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

What are your favorite Ubud restaurants? I’d love to hear about them, since I will be back in Ubud Sept. -Nov. 2016.

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Airports With Yoga Rooms: Air Travel Doesn’t Have To Be Terrible

Autumn Adams

Unfortunately, for most of us, to get to awesome destinations whether it’s for work, play or a yoga retreat it involves us getting in a plane, navigating airport terminals, losing sleep, watching our legs swell to out of this world proportions, but it doesn’t all have to be terrible. Pack your travel mat (or borrow one- just wipe it down first) and get your asana on at one of these on point yoga rooms.

Yoga rooms at domestic and international airport yoga rooms are popping up all over the place. The first airport yoga room sprouted up at SFO in 2012. It’s not just large international airports that have added airport yoga rooms, some of the smaller airports like Burlington Vermont have hopped on this trend too… and I love it. Check out this list of airports that totally understand our love of yoga.

Domestic and International Airport Yoga Rooms

Burlington, Vermont Yoga Room 

The airport in Burlington, Vermont is my favorite. It’s peaceful and serene and it also feels like a yoga studio. Evolution Physical Therapy and Yoga, a local yoga studio, had there hand in the planning and design of the space and it’s lovely. The space includes mats and meditation cushions. If you work up a sweat there is a shower in the family restroom across the way. Woohoo. You get to practice and freshen up in the same place… granted you’re probably not going to be having a layover in Burlington, but you never know. Second floor; hours: 4 a.m.-10 p.m.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport Yoga Room

Chicago O’Hare is a popular layover stop and we are so thankful it has a beautiful yoga room with bamboo floors, a mirror (for you alignment junkies), soft lighting and music. You’ll find a handful of mats available, earth toned walls, natural diffuse lighting and a video monitor playing a yoga practice. Just outside of the room there is also a screen with departure and arrival info… no need to stress unless you’ve fallen asleep in savasana. Mezzanine Level of Terminal 3 near the Urban Garden; hours 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Chicago Midway Yoga Room

Chicago Midway also has a yoga room. The Midway room has similar tones, soft music, asana practices on a screen, and a wall of mirrors. There are also plenty of yoga mats, space to store your belongings and a bench to sit on if you’d like a seated meditation. Floors are made out of bamboo just like the Chicago O’Hare Yoga Room. Throw down a yoga mat, stretch it out or put in your headphones and enjoy a meditation or yoga nidra recording. Concourse C; hours 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

San Francisco International Airport Yoga Room

San Francisco is the leader of the pack and was the first airport to build a yoga room… now they have not one, but two rooms dedicated to yoga. The SFO airport yoga rooms are open 24 hours a day, which is wonderful if you have one of those weird overnight layovers. Drop-in, do a few sun salutations, a couple of back, hip and shoulder stretches, then throw your legs up the wall. Before you know it you’ll be about to board your plane. Terminal 2 near boarding area D and Terminal 3 near gate 69; hours: 24 hours

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport

Dallas Fort-Worth has almost completely taken the plunge into yoga land, but not quite. They more-or-less have areas set up with mats available with semi privacy. What could be better: mat cleaner, dimmer lights, and privacy. Still it’s better than nothing. Between terminal B and D; hours: 24 hours.

Sioux Falls Airport Yoga Room

Sioux Falls, a surprising addition to the airport yoga scene is trying out the trend. They have sectioned off an area near the business center for yoga with a decent amount of privacy. They also provide mats and a poster with posture suggestions. I hope this one sticks around. Near the business terminal; 24 hours.

Helsinki International Airport Yoga

Helsinki International Airport has experimented with yoga classes in their Kainuu multi-use lounge. I’m not sure if they plan on doing a permanent yoga space or not. I wish they would. I would LOVE to go to a yoga class instead of wandering the terminals on a layover. I love the idea, so hopefully they keep it. I’ve heard that mats are available in the Kainuu lounge, but don’t take my word for it.

London Gatwick International Airport Yoga Room

London Gatwick has joined the trend now too. Open yoga practice space with mats and a 20 minute class playing on loop with Instagram sensation Shona Vertue. Move your body, reduce stress, reduce swelling, improve circulation with a few minutes of asana in this light filled space. Southern terminal; hours: unknown.

Frankfurt International Airport Yoga Rooms

During Frankfurt International Airports big renovation they added two yoga rooms! This summer (2016) they are even offering classes taught by local instructors from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on certain days. Another airport that totally gets it! Way to go Frankfurt! Terminal 1 near gates C14 and C16 and Terminal 2 near gates D1 to D4; hours: 24 hours.

Hong Kong and London Heathrow

Hong Kong and London Heathrow also have airport yoga rooms… the catch? You must pay for them. The yoga rooms at these two airports are controlled by Skyteam. And I have never paid for access to the Skyteam Lounge, so I can’t tell you much about them other than that they do exist.

Did I miss any airports? Let me know. I’d love to see this list continue to grow.

Safe travels yogis!

Love and Light,

Autumn

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