LIGHTEN UP AND LAUGH OUT LOUD! USE YOUR IMAGINATION

AND PLAY LIKE A CHILD

SHARON BYRNES, M.ED., CIAYT, YA-CEP, RYT500

VIBRANT AGING COACH & FOUNDER OF THE VIBRANT AGING FOR LIFE ONLINE SCHOOL

A “YOGIC” PERSPECTIVE: “UNIVERSAL LELA”

• Lela means PLAY! (Sanskrit)• We can all have two ‘playlists’• A universal list & your list• Your list becomes the play• The universal list receives your

anxiety• The goal is to see the

opportunity in every moment to lighten up by giving over to the universe, that which you cannot change

LET’S DO A CENTERING EXERCISE!

• Purpose: Brings groups/families together

• Lightens up the mood

• Singing is an aerobic exercise which sees the release of endorphins, the brain's 'feel-good' chemicals, says Baishali Mukherjee, the Southeast Asia regional liason for the World Federation of Music Therapy.

“Row, row, row your boat”

BLOWING BUBBLES!

• WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• 1-2 inches of water in a tall, capped container with STRAW

LET’S TRY A REACTION TIME GAME!!!

• We are teaching the brain to react faster

• To do that, it must stay alert, recognize what’s happening, then tell the muscles to contract in order to mirror my moves

• Sit comfortably erect, with both feet on the floor and follow my movements as quickly as possible…whatever I do, you do.

• Mistakes lead to laughter! Watch the movement demo

A STARING CONTEST TO HELP DEVELOP FOCUS

• This yogic technique is called trataka, or “steady gazing.”

• Gaze steadily at an (inspirational?) object in the environment.

• Try not to blink!

• Count the number of breaths between each blink. (It may not even be 1 at first. If you try it a little bit each day, note how many seconds the time increases.

STARING CONTEST CONTINUED

• After steady gazing, rub the hands together vigorously to warm them.

• Then gently place warm, cupped hands over the eyes for a relaxing spa.

TIME FOR A JOKE?

•*Help develop concentration & memory

• Lift one leg off the floor, then raise opposite arm to shoulder height.

• Use the “steady gazing” technique to help balance

• Remember to keep breathing

Balance Challenges are FUN and they:

TURN EVERYDAY CHORES UNTO A GAME:

*DRIVE LEAVES RATHER THAN RAKING BY USING A TOWEL OR RAG

*SWING (FOREHAND/BACKHAND) FALLEN LEAVES *SPIN OR SWING OUT WRINKLES FROM LAUNDRY

*ALWAYS BEND AT HIPS & KNEES FOR SHOCK ABSORPTION & TO PREVENT INJURY

FIND YOUR NATURAL FLOW~

A MAJOR TAKE AWAY:

When we are actively learning through

movement, we use different skills:

Working memory, planning, and other executive functions

MOVEMENT AS PART OF OUR ENTIRE BODY SYSTEM

• The Body & Brain need novel activity in order to stimulate new neural pathways.

• This develops / improves agility and coordination• Movement involves adaptation to change• It wakes up the proprioceptive and vestibular system• Physical health and Brain health are interdependent.

You can’t have one without the other…for very long!

MOVEMENT EXERCISE

Punch out your frustrations! Into a pillow or into the air!

Shoulder problems? Keep arms lower than shoulders when extending.

Start your day right!

PLAYING WITH YOUR BREATH

• We breathe in order to absorb oxygen and to release CO2

• “Square breathing”

• Increasing the exhalation

• Pausing to take a breath or two, to avoid emotional “triggers”

BREATHING EXERCISES

• There are many ways to manipulate or use our breath depending upon the desired outcome such as to relieve stress, lessen pain, manage anxiety, energize when feeling lethargic or depressed; etc.

• We will explore a simple practice to calm the nervous system.

• This requires only 1 minute/day and it is a progressive practice.

”

“TLC for the Nervous System”A calming meditation for beginners, experienced practitioners or those recovering from trauma

The video is available for your viewing pleasure atwww.vibrantaging.life

https://vimeo.com/586366573?activityReferer=1

RESOURCES

• To receive information about our “Building Better Balance” course, visit Vibrantaging.life Save 50% with “Olli special pricing.”

• To enrole: https://vibrant-aging-for-life.teachable.com/p/build-better-balance/

• To stay informed via our monthly newsletter, “The Inside Groove”

and occasional blog posts: www.theyogagroove.com

• To consult with Sharon: sharonbyrnesyoga@gmail.com

• or phone (513) 658-1952. (Olli students receive a 30% discount.)

• ~Thank you~ Live Life Well… It’s a choice!