as part of my new year's intention to create more balance in my life, i have been seeking out more "me" time. it's wonderful to unplug and enjoy time with friends and family, but i've realized that i need more time to myself. time to read, write, reflect, exercise. sometimes i find it hard to focus when i'm always surrounded by others and there is a certain clarity i gain when i'm alone.
in my quest for more restorative "me" time, i have rediscovered hot yoga and i'm hooked! i was really into yoga for a year or so in college, but i fell out of the practice. i find it hard to quiet my mind, but there is something about a room cranked up to 100+ degrees and the quiet focus of vinyasas that just melts everything away.
the heat and humidity in the room gives it the cleansing feeling of a sauna and the practice itself encourages you to be fully present in the moment. and what i love most about it is the noncompetitive atmosphere. i have a tendency to push myself too hard, so i really try to focus on doing what feels good for my body and not compare myself to others.
if you're new to hot yoga, i've listed a few items below that will get you started. just keep in mind that the rooms are steamy and it will take a few classes to acclimate your body, so don't push yourself too hard. and hydrate before, during, and after! by no means do you have to spend a lot of money to practice yoga, but i've opted to invest in a mid-priced, high-quality mat that is thick enough to give my knobby knees a little relief. you will sweat like crazy - literally sweat pouring off your body - so a towel to wipe it away or a towel placed on top of your mat will help prevent slippage.
so tell me, are there any "me" time practices that leave you feeling refreshed and renewed?
14 comments:
Obsessed with hot yoga, but surprisingly there isn't a convenient locale by my apartment. Need to get back into it!
I like hot yoga, and i LOVE hot Barre classes!
I love yoga, but the idea of hot yoga really scares me for some reason haha. I'm going to have to try it!
Alyssa
The Glossy Life
I wish my gym offered hot yoga! Combination of yoga classes and the sauna? Yes please! Love your essentials list!
This is something I have been wanting to try! Will have to check it out when I'm not pregnant!
I've been thinking of taking some yoga classes. i really need to try out new things to relax. But I don't know about hot yoga...As for other "me" time practices, running in the park and reading are the two most efficient methods for me.
Ada
Like Alyssa, I love yoga, but am scared to try hot yoga. I have heard great things...I mean, even my dad did it, but I am scared. I guess if a 60 something man can do it, I can! haha! Great post. And I can't thank you enough for your sweet comments yesterday. It made my day! xoxo
Hot yoga is great, especially on a freezing cold day. I usually stick with regular. It is a great resolution though!
Hot yoga is the best! It's definitely a great "me" time activity!
I am absolutely terrified to try it. I like pilates, but cannot ever calm my mind enough for regular yoga, let alone HOT yoga I assume. And sweating like a beast sounds horrible to me? I feel like I need to try it atleast once so maybe I'll make this winter the time to do it. Can you just sit on your towel and drink water for 90% of the time if you think you're going to die haha? Where do you go!? I think I need to transition my workouts into less TV/magazine while working out a few times a week so that I'm not constantly glued to a monitor or screen.
http://itsthelittlethingsblog.blogspot.com
I love, love, love hot yoga. It really is the most cleansing exercise! The only thing is you really need to prep for it and drink a LOT of water beforehand - I have almost passed out before!
Isn’t That Charming.
i too did so much yoga in college and then fell off the bandwagon. now i'm back into it and i've been dying to try it hot! :) love your essentials, especially the mat, i need to invest in one!
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I'm so glad I found your blog today, I really love your posts. I do hot vinyasa about twice a week at my gym and I can feel how cleansing and good it is for me the next day. My muscles fell strong, not tight and the amount of sweat I lose in each session is actually really good for your skin too. Looking forward to following you more!
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