Almost everyday we encounter some type of stress in our lives. After a while stress can build up and eventually cause depression or even health issues. Our fast paced work environment plays a big role in causing stress, so it is important to make time to relax and find ourselves again. Two of our Yoga instructors Darlene Bink and Jennifer Rodrigues have an interesting take on how Yoga has helped them and how it can help others.
Darlene explains how the Yoga poses come together with the breathing techniques and mediation, to give your body, mind and spirit a sense of well-being. “At the end of my Yoga practice I often feel both energized and peaceful.” After a few years of practicing Yoga, Darlene noticed how much she had improved physically and mentally. This inspired her to share it with others. “Knowing that you don’t have enough energy to get everything done can pile on to the stress.” Darlene says that Yoga has given her the extra energy to do what she needs to do. In the meantime it has also helped her get into shape and always puts her in a good mood. “Yoga can help you become a happier person!”
Our other Yoga instructor, Jennifer Rodrigues, was recently interviewed by Her Magazine where she talks about her struggle with a rare blood disorder, and how Yoga has enhanced the quality of her life. When she was 5 years old she became sick, and doctors discovered that she had a type of genetic blood disorder. It was so rare that she was 1 out of only 3 people on the east coast who had it. This disorder caused her to have below the normal amount of blood cells, and it also caused the blood cells to be misshaped. In return, this depleted her energy levels and created a loss of appetite. Later in life, when she discovered Yoga, she was amazed at how much better it has made her feel. When she starts to feel bad she practices Yoga and it helps her transition from that discouraged state of mind. It has also helped her to feel better about herself physically and has given her a way to help others.
If you are finding yourself stressed to the max and need to find a way out, Yoga may be the answer for you. Stress can appear in many different forms whether through work or other types of issues. According to Jennifer and Darlene, finding your balance isn’t impossible. You just have to look in the right direction. Visit our website at www.columbusstate.edu/ce to sign up for our next Yoga sessions.
-Kindra Hunter
McCarthy, Katie. “Finding Inner Peace.” Her Magazine July 2011: 8-9.
