that will help reduce levels of stress and improve performance at work.
Here are 3 practical ways to stay healthy
1. YOGA
Practice of yoga has a long list of health benefits including greater flexibility, better posture and reduced levels of anxiety. A short ten minute practice two, or three times per week regularly will greatly reduce stress and increase your energy. Yoga has a range of poses for co-ordination, strength, motion that reduce anxiety.
Asanas or postures are useful for vitality and rejuvenation. They invigorate various systems of the body including central nervous system, glands, internal organs, joints, skin and blood flow. Focus on full breathing and only do what feels right for you.
Like with everything we do in life we need to take care practising yoga until we get the right rhythm for our own bodies. When we begin we should always prepare the body for any practice we intend to start. Start slowly and carefully, should there be any discomfort stop and readjust. Select postures you would llike to include in your practice from reputable yoga books with quality instructions.
2. EAT WELL
Cooking for yourself and your family is enjoyable. Shop at your local farmers markets buy fresh and local produce. Healthier fruit and vegetable options are readily available. Here is a delicious recipe you can cook at home any time.
Dahl with Veggies (Protein rich)
Ingredients
1 cup yellow split mung dahl (washed 3 times), 4 cups water, 1-2 tbsn ghee,
spice – 1 tspn Cumin, Grated ginger and a pinch of hing (asafoetida), turmeric,
quarter cup veggies of choice, 1 tsp salt
Method
Yellow split mung dahl cooks the quickest and dahl is the easiest to digest being less likely to disturb digestion, especially with added ghee and spice. The secret of using any dahl is to cook it well. This is a regular for vegetarians. It’s an open secret of a non-meat diet.
Mix dahl, water, salt and turmeric in a pot. Boil for 25 minutes depending on the dahl and squash with a masher. Add more water if required – when the beans are soft add whey for flavour.
In a separate pot, on a medium heat, add ghee, grated ginger root, cumin seed, slightly brown, add a pinch of hing, add veggies, fry for three minutes, add a dash of water, pour into the dahl. Gently simmer for eight minutes stirring frequently. Serve with quality yogurt on top.
3. FIND YOUR BODY TYPE *
Try this quick quiz, find your body type, gain insight into your constitution. With awareness you keep your health in balance for your needs.
Tick either YES or NO to the following questions based on understanding of yourself
PART A Yes No
Under stress I become anxious and fearful
I don’t like wind and cold
My hair and skin tend to be dry and rough
I have a lean and thin body structure
I prefer living in a warm climate
I am often talkative and enjoy friends
I can tan quite easily
I have to be on the constant move
PART B Yes No
I am competitive and enjoy a challenge
I can burn easily in the sun
I have a medium build and bone structure
I enjoy intellectual and physical challenges
I dislike heat and humidity
Under stress I easily become frustrated
and impatient
I get irritable when I am hungry
PART C Yes No
I gain weight easily and find it hard
to lose weight.
I have oily skin and thick shiny hair
I have consistent energy and stamina
I become demotivated easily
I enjoy family and friends
Under stress I become withdrawn
I have a strong constitution
Find Your Body Type
If you answer four or more times YES to the questions in PART A:
You have mainly a Vata body.
If you answer four or more times YES to the questions in PART B:
You have mainly a Pitta body.
If you answer four or more times YES to the questions in PART C:
You have mainly a Kapha body.
If your answers are split between two or three of the PARTS:
You are of either Bi or Tri Doshic body.
How It Works
Each person is unique and has different qualities. These guidelines are general indication only. Body types are Vata, Pitta and Kapha according to Ayurveda ancient system of health.
Vata – Airy (Windy) qualities expressed as friendly, quick, changeable, cold, subtle, creative and responsible for all communication and movement.
Pitta – Fiery qualities expressed as ambitious, intense, dynamic, hot and responsible for good digestion and mental alertness.
Kapha – Earthy qualities expressed as warm, generous, non-changing, sweet, family oriented and govern all structures and lubrication in the body.
*Excerpt from Rejuvency BodyHealth, Experience Ayurveda Differenceby Suzanne Derok. Available http://www.rejuvency.com/shop/holistic-health-books/e-book-rejuvency-bodyhealth/
