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  • Effects of Yoga and modern technology in lockdown

    Effects of Yoga and modern technology in lockdown

    Modern technology has good and bad effects, but one thing is certain: thanks to the internet and social networks, we now work from the safety and comfort of our own home during lockdown.  Now more than ever we are online wth access right here and now. Whether as an employee, business owner, student, teacher or seeking services etc; most people are on the “net”.  This increased wave of online behaviour is not without a learning curve and toll on our time, physical and mental health. Many people are working from the dining room table, the lounge room or even in bed. This set up lacks any purposeful ergonomics and has its limitations.

    Luckily Chair Yoga is right in the house with you. You will be motivated to stop at lunch time, take a breath stop and reflect. By moving the body in a yogic way you will prevent a sore neck, back, eyes, wrists plus more. Plus your energy levels will be regenerated for the afternoon.

    It’s clear that modern technology has changed our lives.  Now we move from one device to the next to watch movies on our laptops, study with the headphones on, sit at the computer to work or connect via our smartphones. At Bondi Yoga therapy we have a digital detox program that is becoming very popular. Did you know that modern technology has changed the way we think and live our lives ? During this pandemic we are told to stay in our homes the first thing many of us do is to check our devices while being passively fed information. A great way to start off your day is to join our Good Morning Yoga Therapy class, you can read more here.

    How Chair yoga helps you in lockdown

    Chair Yoga will keep you moving during lockdown

    Social media sites have an agenda and exercise their censorship rights. We are being fed only a strategic amount of information. Despite life appearing open, free, modernised and democratic is it really? Prior to the fires, floods and lockdown the world was spinning at such a fast pace.  There are many positive things we now have time to reflect on as we slow down without the distractions of life outside the home.

    But are you going from one screen to the next and feeling overwhelmed? We get so absorbed and mesmerised by the screen that time soon flies by. Our connection with how we are sitting in a crunched up position blocking off circulation and energy to our organs often goes unnoticed. The Lunchtime Chair Yoga class is a great way to break up the day as your energy is revitalised for the afternoon.

    Have your lives changed working online?

    There’s no doubt that we replaced normal interaction with social networks and mobile applications. These new technologies significantly influence our thinking, or the ways we think. However, the bad side is that it often happens subtly and accidentally. The impact of technology is growing bigger, more intense and stronger. Everything we see and hear, we interpret in the moment. We are not even aware of that. More importantly, we were not aware of how our life actually changed. Yoga therapy brings you self awareness of your posture and breathing. We will be in your home every Wednesdays at 12 noon as part of our Yoga therapy for over 40’s online classes.

    Technology Stimulates Thinking and keeps us Connected

    Everything we see on TV, the internet, social media and similar platforms affects us. If we see a touching story, we are moved, we want to help, we feel it. The music we listen to has the same effect. It causes us to feel things, positive or negative, depending on the song itself. It stimulates us to think, creates our own attitudes and plays a big role in our lives.

    The fact that modern technology really matters in our everyday life is further proven by the fact that without a mobile phone, a laptop and the internet most of us would feel like something is missing. Technology skills are termed computer literacy and without these skills, people are just as disadvantaged as not being able to read or write. Zoe the founder of Bondi Yoga Therapy is also the founder of Computer Coach Australia. She calls herself a hi-tech-yogi because she using both these skills to help people save time and be confident online.

    pineal gland yoga technology effects

    Modern technologies effects our life during lockdown

    Technology during the lockdown due to the COVID 19 pandemic, provides a means of interpersonal communication and interaction with our friends, colleagues and families. After all life is easier and faster to send a message by email or chat  right?  Now working from home we are even more online, and feeling anxious about the future. Many of us are seeking to be informed and in the know of what is happening around the world. In fact there are so many online events and news it is hard to keep up. We don’t want to miss even the smallest thing and we need discernment.

    yoga for over 40's online

    Disadvantages Of Modern Technology and COVID 19 lockdown

    The world of technology world has moved even closer, by bringing work into the home. Some good some bad, what do you think? Modern technology can cause a decline in conceptual and critical thinking. In addition, it can have a negative effect on our sleep or, more precisely, disturb our sleep. This automatically reduces our ability to think, learn and concentrate. The light of the laptop, cell phone, and TV screen can in some way deceive our brain to think it’s day and not night. The body is awake and we feel there is no need for sleep. Fatigue only occurs later, when it’s too late to properly rest and we have missed our sleep window. For this reason we have started a Sleepy time Yoga therapy online class to help you to wind down from the day.

    There Are Some Advantages to lockdown

    The planet is taking a much needed breath. There is a noticeable decrease in pollution as accelerated from planes, suntan lotion in the oceans, people on the streets and cars on the road. We were all spinning so fast and now we have a chance to take a look at the direction of our lives. This is a great opportunity to start a Yoga Therapy practice and spend time to going inside, rather than outside. Our Good Morning Yoga therapy will help you set your intention for the day and start off with an abundance of cleared energy.

    Modern technology is not so bad.  Now we have the opportunity to learn online with Computer Coach Australia, everything is at hand. We can find everything on the internet faster and easier, and with the introduction of 5G the world is being prepared for artificial intelligence. Technology also helps us to be constantly informed – aware of what is happening around us, with our friends, acquaintances and people that we haven’t seen in a very long time. Today, through Facebook, we can find friends from primary school, an ex-boyfriend, and also meet new people. The internet makes all this possible and it would be foolish to say that there are no good sides.

    chair yoga therapy works with zoe

    Just Don’t Overdo It

    As we mentioned before, technology has a good and bad side. What we can advise you is the following – just don’t overdo it. Sometimes it’s okay to surf the internet, lie in front of the laptop, or chat on WhatsApp. From every exaggeration we can become addicts. From time to time go back to your memories of childhood – do something creative or join in on one of our Yoga for over 40’s online classes. Good morning Yoga, Lunchtime Chair Yoga and Sleepy time Yoga

    Balancing technology with the creative is living a life of abundance, and that is why it is wise to start off the day with a sankalpa or intention and affirmations. Our Sleepy Time Yoga class at the end of our day brings in gratitudes and forgivenesses.  To find out more about our Yoga for over 40’s online classes call Zoe +61 407 956 071 or drop us a note below, we love to hear how your going!

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  • Chair Yoga Works online with Zoe

    Chair Yoga Works online with Zoe

    Chair Yoga Works (online)! with Zoe

    You develop methods to use your body and sit well throughout the day. As a matter of fact Yoga therapy is not just something we do on the floor on a mat.  A regular Chair Yoga Works (online)! class with Zoe increases awareness on many levels.  For the most part whether sitting, walking or lying. Often when we sit down we slump back into the chair. Likewise if we are plugged into a screen we can be sitting still and concentrating for hours at a time with poor posture. Coupled with not even realising the strain we put our body through, we stand up with a deep groan.

    It is so beneficial to sit well

    Lets just think for a moment, about how beneficial it is to learn to sit well.  Otherwise a particular body part is stretched while another is compressed, taking all the weight, and we sit lopsided. Equally important muscles weaken over time on one side and tighten on the other. This pulls our joints out of alignment and we are suffering and our performance decreases and mind fogs over.  On the whole this is seen through aches and pains, digestive problems, stiff neck or frozen shoulders.

    Book your Yoga for over 40’s online class here.

     

    chair yoga seniors online

    Reduce aches and pains learn to sit well

    Pain and injury travels throughout the body into other parts and creates more serious conditions like a slip disc – ouch. Really Yoga and Buddhist teachings speak about the benefits of knowing about cause and effect. The sooner we understand this the sooner we can make changes to our daily habits. A yoga teacher once said “we are only as young as, how fast we walk up the stairs”.  Our lunchtime Chair Yoga Works online with Zoe practice is perfect for office yoga by the computer because you learn to keep your body upright. This in turn will relieve stress on your joints and you will look 10 years younger. It truly is amazing the effects of good posture.

    Posture is so important

    Poor posture doesn’t just stop there. For instance whether we are watching TV, eating dinner or at the desk. As a result our internal organs and digestive system suffers with a dulling of the mind. As a Hi Tech Yogi, I have spent all my working life in front of a computer screen and I know how to keep well. I am excited to share the Yoga for over 40’s online classes with you. The old saying posture is important is true!

    ‘we are only as young as how fast we can walk up the stairs’

    Just imagine if one of the pylons on Sydney Harbour Bridge was lop sided on one end? All the cars would drive off into the water! Our lunchtime chair yoga works online with Zoe, is a great way to break up your day.  Learn to sit up straight and be aware of your posture even when standing. We spend too much of our time sitting down.

    Better health Victoria wrote:-  Emerging studies suggest the dangers of sitting include increasing your chances of developing some types of cancer,  lung, uterine, and colon cancers. The reason behind this is not yet known. Sitting for long periods has been linked to heart disease. If in doubt you can read the 7 benefits of Yoga here. 

    chair yoga sit well

    Hi-tech yogi teachers how to sit well

    As a Hi-tech yogi and founder of Computer Coach Australia, my work has been split between Yoga and technology for over 30 years.  I am so grateful to have had these two professions which gives me skills to manage my body and mind when absorbed with the technology. Research states as soon as our fingers touch the keyboard our breathing shallows. Likewise our minds take over and the focus on the task ahead makes us lose sense of what is around us. For this reason resentment can arise when being disturbed.

    Sit upright and balanced with chair yoga

    Our lunchtime Chair Yoga Works (online)  classes guide you each week to develop  connect with your body to sit upright in a sustainable way free of aches and pains. You will learn to distribute your weight evenly over your body. With attention to this you will use all your muscles and increase strength and benefit your internal body as well. Soon this will become a natural way of being. As we explore different movements (asanas) in the chair your breathing and flexibility increases and your sleep improves.

    Prevent is better than cure!

    Chair yoga will help to prevent many physical problems such as:-  RSI, swollen ankles, sore back, poor digestive system, aching back and shoulders, the list gos on. Pain is our body is the way our body speaks to us to let us, to let us know something we are doing is not OK. Ergonomics are very important not only when using technology. Often we can sit for hours at a time to eat, being entertained, or driving and at work. The mind is stimulated the body is still and we wonder why we cant sleep at night.

    Hi-tech yogi is best to teach chair yoga

    You will learn to bring our awareness to your breathing, stretching and opening your body and how to counteract being all cramped up. Because of this it will increase blood flow and circulation as well as improve the digestive system. For this reason we will pay special attention to the neck, shoulder and eyes as well. The class will end with a short meditation to unwind the mind and focus in our our intention (sankalpa)  for the day.

    The Morning Yoga therapy class and our Sleepy time class combined with the Chair Yoga at Yoga works.  Learn to sit well with a Hi Tech Yogi to keep you functioning at optimum levels throughout the week. If you want to have a chat about any special needs you have give Zoe a call on +61 407 956 071

    https://yogaayurvedarecovery.com/online-yoga-therapy-40s/

    We love to hear your comments – and if you know anyone who thinks that Yoga is not for them please share this article. Special needs and NDIS students are welcome.

    Book your Yoga for over 40’s online class here.

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  • Good morning yoga

    Good morning yoga

    Good Morning Yoga with Zoe

    Yoga in the morning is a different class to Yoga at other times of the day. Consequently the focus of our Good morning yoga with Zoe is like a ritual. We will guide you  to start off the day in a conscious and self loving way.   Our bodies have been lying sedentary and just like a cat or dog can benefit from a stretch so can we. But let me give you a little tip from Ayurveda to boost our immune system.

    Start the day with a warm drink

    There are so many benefits combining Yoga and Ayurveda. In Ayurveda we use food and spices as our medicine kit. A great drink for Autumn and Winter to soothe the Vata’s hyper energy.  Combine warm lemon juice with a tsp of ginger powder and 1/2 tsp of turmeric into a glass of water. You can read more about our Vata tips here. For this reason it will kick start a sluggish digestive system. Consequently you will have a gentler way to start the day rather than a kick in the adrenal glands from coffee. Likewise this immune boosting drink is just what your germ fighting cells need to gather a strong army.

    Online Yoga seniors over 40's with Zoe

    The many benefits of turmeric

    The western world has picked up on the many benefits of turmeric, as turmeric contains bioactive compounds with powerful medicinal properties. Moreover turmeric has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb.

    Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric.

    • Turmeric Dramatically Increases the Antioxidant Capacity of the Body
    • Curcumin Is a Natural Anti-Inflammatory Compound
    • Turmeric Dramatically Increases the Antioxidant Capacity of the Body
    • Curcumin Boosts Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Linked to Improved Brain Function and a Lower Risk of Brain Diseases
    • Curcumin Should Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease
    • Turmeric Can Help Prevent (And Perhaps Even Treat) Cancer
    • Curcumin May Be Useful in Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s Disease
    • Arthritis Patients Respond Very Well to Curcumin Supplements
    • Studies Show That Curcumin Has Incredible Benefits Against Depression
    • Curcumin May Help Delay Aging and Fight Age-Related Chronic Diseases

    You can read more about how turmeric improves your life in Healthline 

    Learn why eating fruit boosts your health

    By introducing your first piece of fruit into your system, this is a great start to bringing in four pieces of fruit a day. Fruit is uniquely known as natures little vitamin pills that grow on the trees, just for us. Similarly you could have an orange or banana.

    In the light of papaya let me tell you about the many benefits such as:- it lowers cholesterol. As a matter of fact papaya is rich in fibre, Vitamin C and antioxidants which, prevent cholesterol build up in your arteries. As well as:-

    • Helps in weight loss. …
    • Boosts your immunity. …
    • Good for diabetics. …
    • Great for your eyes. …
    • Protects against arthritis. …
    • Improves digestion. …
    • Helps ease menstrual pain.

    Learn how you can grow turmeric in your home no matter the climate it is possible!

    Ayurveda everyday tips with Zoe

    There are so many benefits and uses for sesame oil

    Another important good morning yoga  practice  is, to introduce to you sesame oil. Additionally sesame oil is known to be a boon to humanity. The sesame plant’s nutritional qualities have inspired some to dub its oil the “Queen of Oilseeds”

    Freshen your face with some water followed by a smearing of sesame oil. Turn your phone off and let’s get into our morning yoga practice. Make sure now to set yourself up in a place where you wont be disturbed and free from any draft. Have a blanket, mat and bolster at hand.

    Our Good morning Yoga with Zoe focus is on the breath

    Our good morning yoga class with Zoe, is a great way to start the day by stretching and bringing our focus to our breathing. The 4th limb of Yoga is called Pranyayama.  “Pranayama is control of Breath”. “Prana” is bringing the breath or vital energy into the body. On subtle levels prana represents the pranic energy responsible for life or life force, and “ayama” means control. So Pranayama is “Control of Breath”.

    Prāṇāyāma a Sanskrit word, is the practice of breath control in yoga. In modern yoga as exercise, it consists of synchronising the breath with movements between asanas, but is also a distinct breathing exercise on its own, usually practised after asanas. In our Good morning Yoga class we will start with a practice that includes body cleanses such as kriya and bhandas.

    We use pranayama to empty any impurities from the lungs. The breathing practices in Yoga are an opportunity to develop awareness on all facets of the breath. Together with the inhalation (puraka), pause (kumbhakha) and exhalation (rechaka) we have the complete cycle of the breath. Puraka is a word originated from India that means “inhalation.” Combining  kumbhaka (breath retention) and recaka (exhalation) we have a complete cycle of breathing that can be unnoticed throughout the whole of ones life. 

    Ayurveda every day tips with Zoe

    Yogapedia explains the importance of the breaths

    Many diseases are thought to be caused by disturbances within the pranic energy system in the body and mind. Therefore, effective practice of kumbhaka in conjunction with pranayama is believed to help prevent and treat a wide variety of diseases, from skin disorders to diabetes. Kumbhaka also has the following benefits:

    • Helps remove impurities from the body
    • Boosts physical and mental vitality
    • Improves concentration
    • Clears and stills the mind

    Puraka expands not only the body but the mind

    Performing puraka stimulates the body, enlarges the chest cavity, fills the lungs with air and moves the diaphragm down. It is believed that beginners should first practice puraka and recaka with a 1:2 duration ratio before moving on to practice kumbhaka.

    At the end of a proper puraka, the lungs should be filled and expanded completely, but it should still be a slow and controlled act; the time taken to perform puraka should remain consistent throughout repetitions. If a practitioner has to pause one or more times during the process of a single puraka, the process might be called a broken puraka.

    Puraka and the process of yogic breathing is a core skill for any yoga practitioner. Mastering the puraka-kumbhaka-recaka cycle not only aids in meditation and pranayama exercises, it also helps the practitioner surrender to asanas during their physical practice and can serve as a means of measuring the duration of poses.

    Rechaka signifies the exhaling surrender

    Rechaka, or rechaka pranayama, means “exhalation.” Slow rechaka also helps to maintain the elasticity of the lungs. It offers some major benefits for the brain, as well. The slow respiration requires the help of the cerebral cortex, which sends impulses to the respiratory centre. These impulses overflow into the hypothalamus (a centre of emotion) and quiets that area, providing a soothing effect.

    A controlled and focused rechaka helps prepare the individual for the yogic limb that follows pranayama: pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses). If the practitioner observes and focuses on their breathing, it helps switch off other senses and mental processes.

    Kumbhaka the inspirational pause between the breaths

    Kumbhaka means “breath retention.” It is a technique that is a key component of pranayama breathing exercises used in conjunction with meditation and some yoga asanas. By practicing Kumbhaka it is believed to increase the heat in the body and, in doing so, provide a range of physical and mental health benefits.

    focus on the breath

    Good Morning Yoga can be as simple as taking a conscious breath

    To fully benefit from our Good Morning Yoga practice,  we need to turn our attention inwards and this is done using the practice of the breath. The Buddha taught many different forms of breathing to increase our focus on the subject of meditation.

    In yoga we start with the body as our point of focus. Believe it or not, but our body is the easiest part to take control of. Our Good morning yoga practice is livelier than our other two classes. The lunchtime “Chair Yoga Works” and “Sleepy time Yoga” class. We will start off the day moving the body and stimulating our circulation and digestion with the asanas.

    Each class is finished with a Yoga Nidra relaxation to allow the body to settle and recalibrate. We also introduce gratitude, forgiveness and affirmations to start your day by setting up a positive mindset. Equally important our practice will end with a brief guided meditation that connects with your intuitive wisdom. Sitting still lets our body and mind come back to its natural state of peace.  Nowhere to go with nothing to do. Another key point allowing the mind to totally focus on as little as possible or a higher level of consciousness.

    Contact Yoga works with Zoe today

    If you have any questions about our Good morning yoga with Zoe then give her a call on +61 407 956 071 or send us a note. There is more information on preparation for your yoga class here. In the event that you have tried Yoga and think it is not for you, read here about the 7 benefits of yoga (and there are so many more!)

    Send us a note to find out more about our Yoga Ayurveda retreats

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