Yoga or a Cup of Coffee?

First of all. I really love coffee.

But I also know that a coffee after noon keeps me up all night, and too much caffeine really kicks my anxiety into hyperdrive. 

So when I'm feeling low and I've already had two cups of coffee in the morning, I opt for movement instead of sugar or caffeine.  And research shows that movement is not only going to do a better job than coffee, it also offers additional benefits that coffee just can't touch.

A 30 Minute Midday Flow on my Mat or a quick walk around the block are my go-to mood boosters.

Here are some reasons why...

Movement Stimulates Happy Hormones!
When it comes to brain benefits you want to shoot for an intensity level in which you can feel that you're working - elevated heart rate, increased circulation and warmth, need for deeper breaths - but you're not gassed out. Exercise is like a movement snack for your brain. It increases levels of dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.

Movement Gives a  Boost Without the Withdrawal
A caffeine boost or a sugar rush is great... until it is over. One of the best things about a midday movement break for 20-30 minutes is that you won't have a big crash afterwards. The roller coaster our body rides when we are circulating through the metabolizing of caffeine and sugar is intense. Hop off the ride with moderate movement instead. 

Movement Spurs Creativity
Imagination does not seem to happen in static places, and research is backing this idea. Getting away from the screens, and moving the body ignites more ingenious solutions than sitting in a chair.

So if you've got a case of the Mondays
... or the Tuesdays...
... or if you're just feeling low, drained, or tired, moving your body may be the best tool you've got! 

I recently posted a practice on my Podcast that focuses on finding excitement in the body. We do this by focusing on two things 1) balance, and 2) full-body poses.

Balance will get you super focused to your body. All of the little corrections we make to avoid falling over keeps us fully engaged. This is a great way to get out of your headspace and into your bodyspace. A break from all the thinking is like a little brain bath and it feels oh so nice.

Fully body moves will require more effort. It amps up your circulation and it means all of your big-burner muscles will turn on. When our muscles are moving, our heart rate elevates, and this stimulus literally warms us up and turns us on!

Add a little va-va-voom, or some cha-cha-cha to your day by taking poses that awaken your being.  

At the end of this practice we move through one of my go-to visualization practices to channel our energy towards empowerment. 
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Hope you love it!
XO,
Julia

Take a Break with this Uplifting Practice!