2011 Symposium on Yoga Research ~ Sept 23-25

2nd comprehensive Yoga Therapy Conference in the West to by held at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Massachusetts on September 23-25, 2011.

This academic conference gives attendees the opportunity to hear about the latest research being conducted in the field of yoga therapy, learn how to conduct research during the pre-conference session, interact with scientists during multiple poster sessions and attend presentations.

Last year the conference was held at the Himalayan Institute in Pennsylvania and sold out. Keynote speakers included Lorenzo Cohen, Dean Ornish, Shirley Telles and Bessel van der Kolk.

This year’s conference is anticipated to draw a larger crowd in the spacious Kripalu center. Keynote speakers include Luciano Bernardi, MD, professor of internal medicine at the University of Pavia, Italy, B. N. Gangadhar, MD, professor of psychiatry at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India, and Lonnie Zeltzer, MD, professor of pediatrics, anesthesiology, psychiatry, and biobehavioral sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. There will also be more than a dozen oral presentation given by researchers and doctors from the United States. Read more about the conference and pre-conference details, and how to registration.  An early-bird discount of $100 off tuition is available until July 1.

Review the IAYT Symposium on Yoga Research Program Schedule

This conference is presented by International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) and the Kripalu Institute for Extraordinary Living (IEL)

Veterans Find Inner Peace Through Yoga Therapy

By Kay Lani, Ph.D.

Although “yoga” may be thought of for wimps, more and more veterans and military personnel are experiencing the many benefits of yoga and transforming their lives into healthy lifestyles. Many suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and chronic pain.

The Department of Defense has noted the incidences of trauma are high and has been conducting research to explore new approaches for treatment. Preliminary results of one study led by Harvard Medical School Assistant Professor Dr. Sat Bir Khalsa¹ found that veterans diagnosed with PTSD showed improvement in their symptoms, such as social withdrawal, flashbacks and nightmares, after ten weeks of yoga classes. These classes also included meditation and breathing, and daily practice at home.²

PTSD can be a lifetime struggle and is one of the main conditions treated by Veteran Affairs. PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can affect people who experience events such as life-threatening circumstances, personal assault and terrorist attacks. ³ Approximately 70% of adults in the U.S. experience at least one trauma in their lifetime. It is estimated that 1 in 5 military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan has PTSD, and 71% of female military personnel develop PTSD due to sexual assault within the ranks.⁴

Yoga therapy presents tools, which can complement traditional treatment to help alleviate PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and chronic pain. Other benefits of yogic exercises, meditation breathing and relaxation include calming of the nervous system, bringing awareness to the present, managing anger, and finding inner peace. A gentle rhythmic yoga style which is best suited to help people struggling with trauma is Kundalini Yoga.

Kundalini Yoga instructor and Vietnam veteran Tim Withee from Colorado is inspired by his own experience helping veterans like himself recover from the stress and trauma of war and find peace and healing within. Withee said in an article in the GJSentinel, “When you get home and take that uniform off, everybody expects you to be the same person you were when you went off, but you’re never going to be that way.” Through Kundalini yoga, however, Withee feels that those who have served can find a true means for recovery. Walter Reed Army Medical Center has used yoga over the past three years as therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder.⁵

Here is what several participants of the Harvard study said about their yoga therapy experience. William, a 63-year-old Vietnam veteran, said, “Yoga took me out of myself” and had a more profound calming effect than drugs or drinking. 51-year old-veteran Joseph said, “I think what the yoga has really allowed me to do is give me the ability to ground myself. As a result, I’m more peaceful with myself in whatever moment I happen to be in.”⁶

Trauma effects everyone and we can help those in need to create happier, calmer communities by spreading the word about complementary therapies such as yoga therapy.

References:
1) Sat Bir S. Khalsa, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Director of Research, Kundalini Research Institute; Research Director, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health.
2) Harvard, Brigham Study: Yoga Eases Veterans PTSD Symptoms, December 8, 2010,
http://commonhealth.wbur.org  
3)Veterans Affairs, Research & Development, www.research.va.gov
4) Stastistics:  http://winoverptsd.com/wp/tag/combat-veteran-ptsd-statistics/
5) Find Relief from Inner Wounds ~ Veterans Find Relief from Inner Wounds through Yoga, www.yogatherapyweb.com
6) Harvard, Brigham Study: Yoga Eases Veterans PTSD Symptoms, December 8, 2010, http://commonhealth.wbur.org

Healthy Lifestyle ~ Louise L. Hay

By Kay Lani, Ph.D.

In her book, Heal Your Body, Louise Hay describes how she saved her life by making needed lifestyle changes to conquer cancer. As Louise says, rejoice in living by balancing the body, mind & spirit.

If you have not read the book yet, please do. The book contains volumes of Healing Affirmations to support creating new healthy thought patterns for you and your loved ones. You may also want to try yoga, since its mission is to balance your body, mind & spirit. Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit (ancient India language) word “yug”, meaning union or yoke. For thousands of years, yoga has been practiced to achieve the happiest life possible by achieving a body, mind and soul connection.

Your first step is to be in the present moment and take charge of your healing process.  It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Remember that even the smallest change can make a beneficial impact in your life.

Thank you, Louise Hay, for having the strength and courage to reverse your disease and to share your victory to help others. You’re an Angel.

Additional Resources:
About Yoga:
Scientific studies on alternative therapies are volumious.

Yoga as Medicine, this is an amazing book by Timothy McCall, MD, which describes diseases and how yoga has been used to support patients’ well-being. Check the list he has compiled of 54 health conditions benefited by yoga http://www.grdcenter.org/files/documents/54_cond_yoga_w_refs_tim_mccall.pdf

Adding Yoga to Workout Regime can Improve Health ~ by Glenna Picton, Baylor College of Medicine
http://www.bcm.edu/news/item.cfm?newsID=2749

The Status of Yoga as a Therapy ~ by Kay Lani, Ph.D.
http://mindfullifestyle.wordpress.com/2011/03/29/the-status-of-yoga-as-a-therapy/

Four Letter Word with Health Benefits ~ by Kay Lani, Ph.D.
http://mindfullifestyle.wordpress.com/2011/03/24/4-letter-word-with-health-benefits/

Yoga Myths – Survey Yoga Alliance

Are yoga myths keeping you from trying yoga? A national survey conducted by Yoga Alliance revealed three major reasons why people have never tried yoga.

1. Yoga is religious.

Myth: 57% of Americans think that yoga requires mantras or chanting, hence concluding religion is involved. And, one-third of those who do not practice yoga describe yoga as “religious meditation.”

Truth: By almost a 9 to 1 margin, people who practice yoga do not see yoga as either religious or interfering with their own religious beliefs.

2. Only those whom are flexible can practice yoga.

Author Kay Lani ~ There are countless benefits to practicing yoga. With discipline and routine practice, one can gain more flexibility, as well as weight loss, greater endurance, stress relief, better focus, increased energy and deeper sleep (to name a few).

3. Yoga is not really exercise.

Author Kay Lani ~ Yoga is not just exercise, it is a part of a healthy holistic lifestyle. Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit (ancient India language) word “yug”, meaning union or yoke. For thousands of years, yoga has been practiced to achieve the happiest life possible by achieving a body, mind and soul connection. Note: There is scientific evidence showing that practitioners can gain as much endurance from yoga as swimming.

My suggestion for beginner yogis and yoginis is to try a few different styles of yoga to see which one is right for you. You may review the  yoga style guide provided by the Kripalu health center in Lenox, MA ~ http://www.kripalu.org/article/252/. This guide lists ten popular yoga styles with a brief description. To find a teacher or school near you, visit the Yoga Alliance® website. The Yoga Alliance® is a non-profit national education and support organization for yoga in the United States. ~ https://yogaalliance.org/

Source:
Read more about the survey ~
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yoga-alliance-launches-survey-assessing-americas-yoga-insight-81348647.html

Read my blog entry ~ Is Yoga for You?
http://mindfullifestyle.wordpress.com/2011/01/09/is-yoga-for-you/

Study: Breast Cancer Survivor’s Practicing Yoga

This study is being conducted by SUNY Stony Brook, School of Social Welfare in NY, and consists of one in-depth interview which will take between sixty and ninety minutes. Interviews are currently underway and will continue over the next six months.

Study title: Breast Cancer Survivor’s Perceptions of Yoga Practice for Different Spans of Time
The study consists of one in-depth interview which will take between sixty and ninety minutes. 
Interview is completely voluntary and anonymity is guaranteed.
The purpose of the study is to offer a more complete understanding and reflection on how the breast cancer survivor experiences yoga.
Participants: Breast Cancer Survivors who are 45 years of age and older and who began practicing yoga following their diagnosis are invited to participate in one face-to-face or telephone interview. 

The objectives of the study are: 
1)  to present breast cancer survivors’ perceptions of the experience and utility of yoga by the duration of time practiced;
2) to describe the transformation that does or does not occur associated with the length of time practicing yoga,
3) to develop a narrative account of common themes and exemplars and identify possible transitional stages of the progression of and adherence to the yoga practice.

Please contact Karyn Kirschbaum, LMSW at karyn.kirschbaum@gmail.com or 631/335-6888 if interested, to determine if you meet the criteria or would like more information.  ~ Interviews are currently underway and will continue over the next six months.

This information was found on 3/24/11 at The International Association of Yoga Therapists website.

http://www.iayt.org

The Status of Yoga as a Therapy

By Kay Lani, Ph.D.

Hospitals in the United States are now offering yoga classes as a complimentary therapy for patients. If you have ever needed care at a hospital, like surgery, you know the usual procedure. Your doctor speaks with you about the procedure and then you schedule an appointment for the procedure and go. But, did you know that complimentary therapy before surgery can actually speed up your recovery? There is scientific evidence showing that this is true and hospitals are now making this option available to patients. Also, hospitals and healthcare centers offer wellness classes to support recovery and continued well-being.

Read how yoga became a therapy ~ http://www.grdcenter.org/articles/yoga-therapy-field.php

What is Yoga Therapy? from the International Association of Yoga Therapists ~ http://www.iayt.org/site_Vx2/publications/articles/IAYT%20Yoga%20therapy%20definition%20Dec%202007%20YTIP.pdf?AutoID=&UStatus=&ProfileNumber=&LS=&AM=&Ds=&CI=&AT=&Return=

If you would like to read about Yoga as Medicine, this is an amazing book by Timothy McCall, MD, which describes diseases and how yoga has been used to support patients’ well-being. Check the list he has compiled of 54 health conditions benefited by yoga ~ http://www.grdcenter.org/files/documents/54_cond_yoga_w_refs_tim_mccall.pdf

4 Letter Word with Health Benefits

By Kay Lani, Ph.D.

It’s time for a paradigm shift. Make your preferred 4 letter word “YOGA”.

Why? Yoga could be that cure all pill that many seek, and everyone from doctors to actors and actresses are doing it. If you were fortunate to have been introduced to yoga at an early age, you are probably a happy yoga instructor loving life. Yoga plays a large part in our every day lives, whether we realize it or not. But, yoga is not only exercise. Yoga means union, which can provide inner peace with routine practice through the balance of body, mind and spirit. Yoga also can make you happy and healthy in a community atmosphere. But, what about our soul? How does your soul play into all this? Well, our soul represents our true nature, and if we live as we are we will be happiest. An additional tool used by yogis to achieve happiness is meditation, which can ensure your soul is in charge not your mind. 

How can you receive all the possible benefits from a yoga class in the shortest amount of time? Well, after you have chosen a yoga style to practice, you will need to make attending class a routine. So, what yoga style are available? Read more here http://mindfullifestyle.wordpress.com/2011/01/09/is-yoga-for-you/

I would recommend trying a few different yoga styles, but you should also consider the class structure. Kundalini yoga, which originated in India thousands of years ago, incorporates breath, yoga and meditation in each class. It is known to produce beneficial life transforming effects the fastest when compared to other common Eastern styles of yoga, like Hatha yoga. For example, one year of dedicated Kundalini yoga practice equals four to five years of Hatha yoga practice. Read why a Kundalini Yoga class can accomplish all this for you in a short period of time ~ http://www.kyoga4life.com/classes.htm  Read more about Kundalini Yoga ~ http://www.3ho.org/kundalini-yoga/

Popcorn Eaters gets an A+

Why eat popcorn?
By Kay Lani, Ph.D.

A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association) conducted by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention suggests that popcorn eaters can gain up to 250% more whole grains than people who do not eat popcorn. Eating just three cups of popcorn gives you one of your three recommended daily servings of whole grains.

Other Popcorn Benefits:
~ According to research done at the University of Scranton, popcorn has three times more polyphenols than kidney beans, and four times more than cranberries. Polyphenols  are antioxidants that eliminate free radicals from your body. This health benefit can potentually reduce your risk of cancer and getting heart disease.

~ Dr.Oz reported that the polyphenols in popcorn can fight off cancer four times better than fruit can. He also suggests eating air-popped popcorn instead of microwave popcorn.

~ Buying popcorn want take a bite out of your wallet.

Source:
http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/nutrition_news_information/whole_grain_benefits_of_popcorn
http://mindfullifestyle.wordpress.com/2011/01/11/five-dollar-friday-dr-oz-and-super-foods/
http://mindfullifestyle.wordpress.com/2011/01/09/improving-health-with-kidney-beans-cranberries-and-popcorn/

Study results show Meditation lowers risk of Heart Attacks

By Kay Lani, Ph.D.

A study conducted at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, in collaboration with the American Heart Association, showed that meditation along with conventional medicine did decrease heart attack risks in high risk patients. The study was conducted with 200 patients over a period of 5-years. Two groups were monitored and the patients who adhered to the meditation schedule cut their risk factors in half. The other group received education about healthy diet and lifestyle.

One important factor was the reduction in blood pressure. The lead investigator Dr. Robert Schneider also believes that meditating routinely helps patients go deeper reactivating the body’s ability to repair itself.

Source:
New York Times – Well Blog, November 20, 2009

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/can-meditation-curb-heart-attacks/

Now Enrolling for Study: Yoga for Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis

By Kay Lani, Ph.D.

This is a great opportunity for people suffering from arthritis. It is known that practicing yoga can renourish fluids in the joints. There have been many scientific studies involving yoga and they have shown benefits. Hence, this study may be an opportunity for you to experience some improvements. Studies look for certain populations, so if you are interested you need to make contact and see if you meet the requirements.

Now enrolling participants in a clinical trial comparing the benefits of Yoga and exercise on bone density and joint health.
Contact: Loren@sciatica.org
Manhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, L.L.P.
1009 Park Avenue
New York, New York
10028

This information was found on 2/28/11 at The International Association of Yoga Therapists website.

http://www.iayt.org

Healthy Lifestyle ~ Roseanne Barr

By Kay Lani, Ph.D.

A dream come true! Wouldn’t you love to live in Hawaii? Better yet, live in Hawaii and own a farm.

Roseanne Barr, from the Rosanne Show, is a happy owner of a 50-acre macadamia nut farm in Hawaii. Besides all those health nuts, she wants to sustain herself and her loved ones off the land. So, her daily routine includes farming and relaxing. She says she meditates each day, but did not disclose her routine. Well, meditation styles take on many forms as we know, and who wouldn’t enjoy sitting down at the end of a warm day to watch the sunset. This is a meditation style I would really enjoy, along with the water play after a daily morning work shift. Read more about Roseanne’s story at www.oprah.com

What activity or activities take your mind away from your daily routine? Send me an e-mail or fill in the survey information below to post your thoughts. Please note that your personal information will not be listed in the comments. This is a template provided by wordpress, which I cannot change.

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Apples for Heart Health

By Kay Lani, Ph.D.

Growing evidence shows that apples support a healthy heart. Several long term studies confirm that people who ate apples frequently had a decreased risk of heart disease. One study, conducted by Iowa Women’s Health, tracked over 34,000 women over a 20-year period. Their findings concluded that apples were associated with a decreased risk of death from both cardiovascular and coronary heart disease.

In another study, Finnish researchers collected data over 28 years from 9,208 men and women. They found that those who eat apples often had a lower risk of stroke.

 StudySource: http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/heart_health/apples_for_your_heart

February is “American Heart Month”

Join the American Heart Association in their goal to raise funds for research and education. Since 1963, our government has proclaimed February “American Heart Month. Heart disease and stroke is our nation’s number one killer.

Some staggering statistics:
~ 90% of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease
~ 2,200 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day
~ Heart disease is the number one cause of death among women 20 years of age and older, killing approximately one woman every minute

Of heart disease’s risk factors, hypertension (high blood pressure) is number one. There are numerous ways to keep your blood pressure under control, for example, take the time to unwind each day by walking in nature or practicing yoga or meditation.

Review the 7 heart health factors at http://mylifecheck.heart.org/Multitab.aspx?NavID=3&CultureCode=en-US and make a lifestyle change today.

Source:

http://www.americanheart.org/

Greatest Health Tips – Dr. Oz

By Kay Lani, Ph.D.

Have you watched the Dr. Oz show recently? He really does a great job illustrating and explaining topics.

Doctor Oz says he has learned a lot from his patients. Review these 25 health tips and start making a few simple changes. The top three greatest health tips are:

1. Laughing
2. Eating breakfast
3. Getting enough sleep

Deep belly breathing, participating in yoga and eating rich colored foods round off the top ten. Read more about these tips at http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/essential_health_tips/

Sources: 
http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/essential_health_tips/
By Mehmet Oz, M.D.

Dr. Oz website:  http://www.doctoroz.com/

Snacks that are Packed with Nutrition

By Kay Lani, Ph.D. 

What do you eat during a snack attack? Try one of these snacks. Recipes provided by Whole Foods.

1. Black Bean Hummas
2. Carrot Cashew Spread
3. Celery bites with red pepper cream
4. Banana-Coca Snack Cakes
5. Apple Cinnamon Oat Squares

Source: Whole Foods
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/healthstartshere/recipes.php


Research: Diabetic Foot Ulcers & Herbs

By Kay Lani, Ph.D.

Research Abstract:

The encouraging results revealed mechanisms of action of the herbs supporting further studies. Reformulation of the herbal composition could also be planned with the knowledge of their quality and mode of action. A subscription to the Berkeley Electronic Press is required to view the full article.

Source:  http://www.bepress.com/jcim/vol7/iss1/54/?sending=11271
Harris, Susie T.; Wong, Daniel; and Musick, David (2010) “Spirituality and Well-Being Among Persons with Diabetes and Other Chronic Disabling Conditions: A Comprehensive Review,” Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine: Vol. 7 : Iss. 1, Article 27.
DOI: 10.2202/1553-3840.1270
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/jcim/vol7/iss1/27

Foods that Promote Happiness

By Dr. Maoshing Ni, December 2010

Every day, eat lots of green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach, to get happy. These foods are high in folate, a natural B-vitamin that helps the brain make serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is associated with happiness. Many studies have linked low levels of folate and serotonin to depression. Beet greens, chard, and other green vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and broccoli are other good sources of folate. Also, omega-3’s play a critical role in brain function and can help elevate your moods. Get a brain and mood boost from omega-3 rich flaxseed oils and oily fish, including mackerel, salmon, trout, and tuna. Just be sure you are getting fish that is free from mercury and any other toxic materials.

Source:  http://health.yahoo.net/experts/drmao/get-happy-live-longer

Five Dollar Friday – Dr. Oz and Super Foods

By Kay Lani, Ph.D.

Here are some healthy and inexpensive shopping tips from the Dr. Oz show ~

1 – Eggs: Aids eye health

2- Onions: Half a cup a day decreases your chance of getting breast or colon cancer.
~ Extra tip ~ you do not need to spend the extra money to purchase organic onions, because they are not sprayed as much as other produce.

3 - Chickpeas: 1-cup packs 50% of the recommended fiber per day
~ Extra tip ~ Buy them in the bag, not the can. You can cook 7.5 cups from the bag compared to 1.5 cups in a can.

4 – Popcorn: contains polyphenols, which have been reported to fight off cancer (4x more effective than fruit).
32 oz. makes 135 popped cups/ 3 cups per day costs about five cents
Read more about popcorn benefits: http://mindfullifestyle.wordpress.com/?s=popcorn

Source:
http://www.drozfans.com/dr-ozs-advice/dr-oz-super-value-superfoods-eggs-onions-chickpeas-popcorn/

Improving Health with Kidney Beans, Cranberries and Popcorn

Entry by Kay Lani, Ph.D.

Kidney beans, cranberries and popcorn all possess the antioxidant chemical group, polyphenols, which is linked to improving heart health and also to reducing cancer risk.

According to research done at the University of Scranton, popcorn has three times more polyphenols than kidney beans, and four times more than cranberries.

Source: http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/heart_health/the_antioxidant_power_of_popcorn

Is Yoga for You?

By Kay Lani, Ph.D.

Yoga has a goldmine of benefits, some of which include making you look younger, controlling stress and losing or maintaining an ideal weight. Many research studies have been conducted and show that yoga has many benefits for promoting a healthy lifestyle, and I will be bringing you details in this blog. For example, some studies have shown that participating in yoga curbs your appetite. Yoga also has been reported to give you as much stamina as swimming.

When I wanted to try a yoga class, I looked for a class offered locally. So, the class I attended involved holding poses for a period of time, while breathing long and deep. Because I was not familiar with the poses, my body felt strained and hence I tensed up. But, yoga should reduce tension and stress. After a few of these classes, I decided it was not what my mind and body needed. I tried a few yoga DVDs and found they were too advanced and I wanted more information. About a year later, I found a different yoga style to try and I loved it! I felt calmer and happier, after just one class. Six years later, I practice Kundalini yoga and meditation daily and teach weekly classes and workshops.

Unlike other yoga styles, Kundalini Yoga not only balances mind, body and spirit, but also is the yoga of awakening . . . awakening your true nature. All Kundalini yoga classes include breathing, a kriya (set of asanas), deep relaxation and meditation. And, you can boost your moral and self-esteem by attending group sessions. Learn more about Kundalini Yoga at www.3HO.org

My suggestion for beginner yogis and yoginis is to try a few different styles of yoga. Or, attend a class a friend goes to. You may also review the  yoga style guide http://www.kripalu.org/article/252/  provided by the Kripalu health center in Lenox, MA. This guide lists ten popular yoga styles with a brief description.

Brownies for Everyone – Checkout the Healthy Secret Ingredient

By Kay Lani, Ph.D.

This protein fiber filled black bean brownie dessert is so yummy . . . it’s like eating fudge. They are even good without frosting (just incase you think you may need to camouflage the taste). We have made them with a peppermint white frosting, but I found them to be too sweet for my palette. It is a gluten free recipe, which can also be modified for vegans by using egg replacer (follow the instructions on the egg replacer box). For best results, we recommend following the recipe exactly as provided by Whole Foods. To see the recipe and comments written in, go to the Whole Foods website http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/2594#ratings

We also compared several brands of canned black beans and found that the Whole Foods brand contained less sodium. See comparison: http://mindfullifestyle.wordpress.com/2010/10/01/sodium-content-in-canned-black-beans/

Nutrition Per serving (1 brownie/about 2oz/60g-wt.):
160 calories (80 from fat)
9g total fat
4g saturated fat
50mg cholesterol
35mg sodium
17g total carbohydrate (2g dietary fiber, 12g sugar)
4g protein

Source: WholeFoods
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/2594#ratings

Time for Your New Year’s Resolution

Entry by Kay Lani, Ph.D.

Have you made your New Year’s resolution yet? Or, does success seem out of reach for you?

David Zinczenko, SVP/Editor-in-Chief of Men’s Health magazine and Editorial Director of Women’s Health magazine, offers tips based on research findings to make popular New Year’s resolutions stick. For example, how long does it take to maintain an exercise routine? Researchers from the University of Sheffield have found a low percentage of success after 5-weeks. So, how can you resist the temptation to bail out before 5-weeks? Review the article for tips to achieve your exercise routine goals and to discover tips to achieve success for other popular resolutions, such as losing weight and quitting smoking.

Source:  http://health.yahoo.net/experts/eatthis/5-secrets-making-resolutions-stick

Additional Comments from Kay Lani:
~ Achieve Resolutions with Meditation
According to the teachings of Kundalini Yoga, as taught by Yogi Bhagan, habits are patterns carved into our sub-conscious minds. We can replace negative habits with positive ones by using a mantra with meditation. Mantras are energy based sounds that create thought waves, which can free one from the mind. Hence, mantras can change the chemical make-up of the brain, allowing for the creation of new positive habits or patterns. So, another way to achieve a resolution is to make a commitment of doing a specific meditation using a mantra for a minimum of 40-days. The first week is the hardest, but you will then thirst to continue. A certified Kundalini Yoga teacher can help you find a meditation to suit your immediate need, such as gaining better sleep or attracting abundance. One can continue a meditation for 90-days to confirm the new habit and 120-days to be acknowledged in the mind. Meditations can even be done for a 1,000-days. For example, the Kundalini Yoga community is participating in a 1,000-day meditation for the Aquarian Age. Read more about this activity here http://www.kyoga4life.com/1000d_meditation1111_2011.htm

Share your success stories!!
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Want to lose weight without trying?

Entry by Kay Lani, Ph.D.

It’s a new year and after too many celebration dinners, perhaps you are seeking to lose some weight. Well, have you heard about the holistic Integrative Weight Loss program offered by Kripalu? This program focuses on transforming your relationship with your body and food by participating in activities such as mindfulness, yoga, yoga dance, deep breathing, fitness walks, nutrition lectures and eating. That’s right . . . eating! Kripalu’s on-site chefs prepare super healthy meals daily for all center participants. So, perhaps you can treat yourself to a Kripalu retreat or start a new exercise class and attend Weight Watchers. Just remember, the best thing for living healthy is to do something.

Learn more about this Healthy Living Program from four women’s experiences shared in Prevention Magazine.
http://www.prevention.com/health/weight-loss/success-stories/lose-weight-weight-loss-centers/article/1f70a3f65031c210VgnVCM10000030281eac____/3

Kripalu’s Integrative Weight Loss Program:  http://www.kripalu.org/program/view/RRMW-111/integrative_weight_loss

Additional author’s comments:
Take my word for it, Kripalu’s meals are wonderful and you can visit their wilderness center in Lenox, MA just for the food! So, you can live healthier by eating mindfully and exercising routinely. Note: There is evidence that suggests participating routinely in yoga classes can curb your appetite, and walking is essential for well-being and fitness at any age.

Seven Steps to Happiness ~ from Yogi Bhajan

By Yogi Bhajan, Master of Kundalini Yoga

There are seven steps to happiness. People have pondered over it for five thousand years. These steps can be attained through discipline and a dedicated practice, such as yoga and meditation.

1. Commitment
2. Character
3. Dignity
4. Divinity
5. Grace
6. Power to Sacrifice
7. Happiness

Happiness ~ from The Dalai Lama

” Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”
~ Dalai Lama 

” If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
~ Dalai Lama

 ” The purpose of our lives is to be happy.”
~ Dalai Lama

Book:  The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1573221112/qid=1123574829/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_sbs_1?v=glance&s=books&n=507846