Don’t Get Weakened by Your Weekend Tips for Keeping up and Staying Balanced

Staying Balanced

All summer, you rush to therapies, trainings, pick-ups and drop-offs. Maybe you fit in some fun time now and again, and some time to relax with your child.

Then, by the time the weekend comes around, you wonder, “Oh no, what is on the agenda? Who is having the birthday? Where are the play dates and what commitments did I forget about since my phone failed to back up or I lost that piece of paper with the dates and details?”

Rest assured, there’s relief by balancing yourself and it doesn’t require another outside commitment. Build a calm space at home by trying the following poses and foods that promote serenity and allow you to go from having your mind full to being mindful.

Wake Up Then Shake Up

A sun salutation is an amazing way to energize the mind and body. It consists of a series of movements and breathes that get the blood flowing and bring balance to your day. For starters, reach up high to the sky then say hello to your toes. Frog jump backwards to a plank pose, before resting the knees, chest and finally the chin on the ground. Push up to cobra with your arms and make a hissing sound. Raise yourself to down dog and wag your tale. Then walk your feet to your hands and slowly lift up like a sail.

After the inward vinyasa poses, savor a shake to get the digestive track going. Because a morning smoothie should have limited fruit, use almond milk or coconut water as the base. Incorporate cacao powder with a scoop of Sun Warrior, an allergen-free protein-filled shake that invigorates your digestive system. Add a teaspoon of chia seeds to keep you feeling full throughout your morning and stay hydrated all day.

Energize the mind and body

“Shut It Down”

It’s time to turn off the noise. This can be done with meditation, which I like to achieve by actually adding some noise first – through music. Whenever I listen to Reema Datta’s version of “Sa Ta Na Ma” I find myself in a more peaceful place. What music or sounds, such as a gentle melody or the waves of an ocean, take you to your peaceful place? Allow yourself a moment reserved for you in a nurturing space where you want to be, even if it’s through your imagination. Merely sitting in sukhasana, easy pose, allows your mind to relax and your body to be open. Enjoy that and reflect on it during your day, however hectic it may become.

Before you rest for the night, take a few sips of water to rehydrate and rest away before starting anew tomorrow.

Kami Evans is a Registered Yoga Teach and Children Registered Yoga Teacher, she is also a Family and Child Advocate and speaks at various events in the US and UK. Contact for more info 800-584-7940 or  [email protected]

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This post originally appeared on our July/August 2012 Magazine