We all have days where we get blind-sided by adversity, or just feel extra sensitive to the tides of trying to get everything done. In this week's episode of According To The Cassels with Tray and Amy, we reflect on our surprisingly testing week, and what happened in each of our lives to cause raised stress levels. We look at the emotional and physical consequences that carrying this overwhelm had for us, and then dive deeply into figuring out ways to take that extra bit of care of ourselves before, and during, stressful moments. Tray shares about his devotional time in the morning to start the day off right, and Amy gives a wonderful rundown of what yoga is, and how you can practice yoga without going against your spiritual beliefs. Touching lightly on the solid science behind the health benefits of yoga, Amy continues to describe how you can show up on the mat just as you are, for only as long as you'd like to, and you'll still reap tons of benefits. We close with some great recommendations for quality yoga equipment that can support your body and your practice. We really hope you can join us, press that play button!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Reflecting on the mental stress that's created when life blindsides you.
• How stress exasperates and intensifies physical ailments, like migraines.
• Listening to the signals and taking the hint as to when to rest.
• Examples of the small things that can irritate us if our internal resources are depleted. 
• We discuss our own self-regulation techniques for emotional regulation.
• Tray uses devotional time in the morning to begin his day with intention.
• We talk about getting into your breath as a great anchor.
• What is yoga? Amy gives a breakdown of what you want to know.
• Why yoga is super beneficial for our bodies and, in turn, our mental health.
• Tray shares his favorite parts of doing short and consistent yoga practices. 
• How spine-stretching poses increase brain function, and balancing poses help longevity.
• How yoga is a complete package of core, balance, stretching, breathing, and strength.
• Why many people can be fearful of yoga.
• What to wear for yoga, and equipment recommendations to help you in your practice. 

Tweetables:

“It's just self-assessing. It's not my place to take my frustration out on anybody other than the way I need to internalize it and handle it myself.” — Tray Cassels [0:06:46]

“Yoga can be done in a way that does not go against your spiritual beliefs.” — @amy_cassels [0:16:40]

“Our bodies were made to stretch. They were made to work on balance, they were made to build strength.” — @amy_cassels [0:17:33]

“If we're going to be in a vulnerable state of opening up our heart and mind and soul, into balance and into this strength and these positions, the closer I can get centered with my creator, which is God, then it keeps me in a safe place while I'm doing those movements.” — Tray Cassels [0:26:21]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Amy Cassels

Amy Cassels on Twitter

ONE Way Life

Lulu Lemon

Manduka

Athleta

Mentioned in this episode:

NingxiaRed

Sparkle Dust