by Amy Zellmer, Editor-in-chief
Yoga is a powerful tool for recovery after brain injury. Contrary to some beliefs, everyone can do yoga — you don’t need to be super flexible, have great balance, or even be able to stand up. The beauty of yoga is that every pose can be modified to accommodate anyone.
An important aspect of yoga is the breath. Connecting the breath to your body and flow, and getting oxygen flowing to your brain, is what makes it so powerful for recovery. Yoga is also a time to quiet the mind, letting anxiety and distracting thoughts drift away.
Lunge Pose (anjaneyasana) stretches the hips, thighs, gluteus muscles, and quadriceps, and opens the chest while improving balance, concentration, and core awareness. Sanskrit: Anjaneya — Lord Hanuman, divine entity of spiritual significance; Asana — pose.
This pose is gentle and relaxing, but as with any pose, if it hurts or causes major discomfort, do not continue.
Instructions:
- From standing: on an exhale, step your right foot toward the front of your mat. Stack your right knee over your right ankle. Lower your left knee to the floor. Keeping the right knee fixed in place, slide the left leg back until you feel a comfortable stretch in the front thigh and groin.
- Inhale and reach your arms overhead, lift your torso upright. Face your palms toward one another and soften your shoulder blades down.
- Draw your tailbone down toward the ground, lengthening your lower back and engaging your core.
- Stay here for a few breaths.
- To release, place your hands down on the mat, step your right leg back and gently come back to standing. Repeat on other side.
Modifications:
- For more stability, use blocks to help lift you higher (pictured) instead of reaching your arms up.
- Place a soft foam block or pillow under your back knee for cushioning.
- Be mindful of your neck and low back. Keep your gaze forward with your neck in neutral. Allow yourself a slight backbend if your low back will tolerate it.
If you are interested in learning more about yoga, check out
www.loveyourbrain.com and their yoga programs throughout the U.S. at partner studios, which are completely free to brain injury survivors and caregivers.
Amy Zellmer is an award winning author, keynote speaker, and TBI survivor and advocate. She is Editor-in-chief of The Brain Health Magazine, and hosts the Faces of TBI podcast series, as well as TBI TV on YouTube.
![We start TONIGHT —
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Are you finding it hard to carve out time for writing and creativity?
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Ready to prioritize your creativity? Click [here] to secure your spot in our Virtual Writing Group. We start September 4th!!
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join my virtual writing group for a rare chance to work directly with me while completing your writing project
Are you finding it hard to carve out time for writing and creativity?
Life gets busy, and it can be challenging to prioritize your creative projects—whether you’re working on:
a book,
blog posts,
social media content,
or even crafting an email series or a new product for your business.
That’s why I’ve created our Virtual Writing Group—a dedicated space where you can focus on your writing, whatever form it takes, and connect with a community of like-minded creatives.
JOIN NOW: https://creatingwellnessfromwithin.com/writinggroup/
Why Join?
- Monthly Writing Sessions: We meet on the first Wednesday of each month from 6-8 PM CST. This is your time to sit down, focus, and make progress on your writing projects.
- Creative Community: No matter what you’re writing, you’ll find support and inspiration from fellow writers who understand the challenges and rewards of the creative process.
- Accountability & Connection: Share your goals, overcome writer’s block, and enjoy the camaraderie of working alongside others on their own creative journeys.
- Whether you’re crafting a novel, drafting blog posts, planning social media content, or developing a product or email series for your business, this group is here to help you stay on track and make your creative dreams a reality.
If this sounds like the support you need, I’d love for you to join us! For just $108 a year—about the cost of a fancy coffee drink each month—you’ll have a year of inspiration, connection, and dedicated writing time.
Ready to prioritize your creativity? Click [here] to secure your spot in our Virtual Writing Group. We start September 4th!!
I can’t wait to see what you create!")
