I hope you're all having a relaxing break, if you've over-indulged over the last few days and are left feeling sluggish and bloated this yoga sequence will help you beat the bloat
and hopefully have you feeling better.
Our digestive health is so important, for obvious reasons, it's how we receive all the nutrients from our food, but did you know when our digestive system isn't working well it can affect our mood and our energy levels? We all know that sluggish feeling when we've had a big meal.
Stress plays a huge part in our digestive health and there have been a number of studies where links have been drawn between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and an over-active parasympathetic nervous system. Not to mention the pace of our lives nowadays, meaning taking time to sit and eat good food in a relaxed manner is often out of the question. How often do you skip breakfast or have lunch at your desk or worse, as you walk from one meeting to the next?
Yoga is a great way to take a break from your busy life and allow the body to relax, reducing stress hormones and increasing happy hormones all helping with your digestion, your mood and general sense of wellbeing.
It doesn't have to be anything major, small changes make huge differences.
Meal prep, is an easy way to take control of what your eating for lunch, even if you can't change where or when you get to eat it.
Drink plenty of water, we all know we should do it and it isn't difficult to monitor. Invest in a water bottle so you always have water with you and be sure to sip thorughout the day.
Eating a variety
of fruit and vegetables and pulses will help boost your fibre intake, giving your digestion a helping hand. By keeping your meals varied, you'll stay motivated. No-one wants to eat the same thing day in, day out. Mix it up with dressings/sauces/spices/herbs. Have you ever added lime to mayonaise for your salad? Research some recipes and try adding your own little twists to keep them fresh.
Exercise, whether it be yoga, a walk (not while eating!), the gym or whatever else you enjoy. Movement is great for your digestive health, as it increases circulation and gets your metabolism working. Exercise doesn't have to be a chore, find something you enjoy or mix it up if a routine starts to get boring or repititive.
Join me below for some gentle movement to help our digestive system.