The fastest way to counteract stress is the release of oxytocin, the "calm and connect" hormonal antidote to cortisol. A simple and fun way to release oxytocin in the brain is through safe and loving touch. Here I show you my favorite self-massage for the scalp and face, taking care to include the temples and the jaw where we tend to hold tension, as well as the back of the neck, where the vagus nerve (the brakes for your nervous system) runs through. If you start your morning with even a two minute version of this, (say after washing your face and applying a light oil or moisturizer), you will prime the brain for a day of confidence and calm, two key factors in resilience no matter what curveballs are in store for you. You can also use this technique anytime you feel stress, even extreme stress, and it will make a noticeable difference.
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Yael's Weekly gentle yoga class:
Gentle PM Yoga
Weekly on Tuesdays
6-7:15pm ET
via Zoom (until further notice)
with Yael Flusberg, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, RM/T, MS
Enjoy a greater sense of well-being and enhanced energy in our gentle yoga classes. Learn various yoga postures, techniques in progressive relaxation, breathing practices, and meditation to help reduce stress, as well as balance mind, body, and spirit.
Our classes are specifically designed for adults facing stress, cancer, or other illness and are open to anyone interested in attending. All levels are welcome.
Register at smithcenter.or... or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org
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About Yael Flusberg:
Yael Flusberg first came to yoga hoping she could get rid of stuff, namely the ways life’s stresses and traumas had become painfully embodied. Fifteen years and thousands of layers of release later, yoga continues to teach her how to make strategic, creative, and life-nourishing choices. Trained as an integrative yoga therapist, Yael’s classes blend active with receptive states of being, and are both insightful and lighthearted. Off the mat, she is a coach, writer and energy therapist. Since 2005, Yael has taught yoga classes at area hospitals, libraries, workplaces, schools, and yoga studios. As an integrative yoga therapist (E-RYT500) she facilitates both group and individual yoga therapy sessions, working with people dealing with a variety of conditions including cancer, digestive disorders, diabetes, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, hypertension, mental health challenges (including depression, anxiety, grief and trauma), rheumatoid arthritis, scoliosis, and sports injuries. She currently teaches a weekly therapeutic class for people living with cancer and their caregivers on GW’s campus. More info: www.yaelflusberg.com
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#transformcancer #healingarts #ayacancer #healing #yoga #gentleyoga