Namita Nayyar:
5 Trauma management tips for Women and mothers? How can yoga be beneficial for women in combat?
Sonya Quijada:
To manage trauma, I advise my clients to focus on,
- Practicing self-compassion; be gentle and forgiving with themselves.
- Make the effort to connect with others , turn to friends, and family, and seek out support.
- It’s important to admit the feelings we feel, as much as we want to avoid the harder, tougher emotions.
- We have to prioritize our own self-care, especially when we are feeling the struggle of our wounds – eating nutritious meals, exercising our bodies, and allowing the opportunity for sleep.
- And, always, know when to seek help, to get professional assistance.
A yoga practice can be beneficial for everyone in combat by developing our self-grounding skills and providing a routine. The deep breathing techniques of the pranayama, the focus on our senses of dharana, and the mindful awareness all help lessen the body’s natural, neurological stress response, and promote the sense of ease to allow our best performance under the duress of circumstances.
Namita Nayyar:
Your Message for the upcoming International Yoga Day?
Sonya Quijada:
As I understand it, International Yoga Day began in 2015 upon approval of the United Nations General Assembly as a celebration of physical, mental, and spiritual practice upon human health, and to highlight the importance of (and the need for) yoga in our contemporary era. This year’s theme is “Yoga for Humanity,” which seems especially fitting in our communities still suffering from the consequences of the past two years of pandemic. Since yoga is a practice that creates greater personal awareness and inner peace, more people doing yoga would foster greater compassion and appreciation across humanity.
My message to you reading this article is to consider adding yoga to your lifestyle if you don’t already. And if you have a yoga practice, honor this year’s International Yoga Day by reaching out to people you know who haven’t yet explored what yoga is, and who don’t know how yoga can improve their lives. Bring someone new to one of your favorite yoga classes/teachers.
Namita Nayyar:
Quote, you live by?
Sonya Quijada:
The quote I’ve lived by the longest is from Lewis Carroll. As the Red Queen and Alice have tea, Alice says, “’ There’s no use trying. One can’t believe impossible things.’
‘I daresay you haven’t had much practice,’ said the Queen. ‘When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.’”
I was probably ten years old when I read Alice in Wonderland for the first time, and I have been believing impossible things since then. I practice every day.
To know more about Sonya Quijada:
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
