With the transition to Fall, golden colors aren’t the only thing in sight. Unfortunately, stress is a reality that can arise with the change in weather and routine. So, we consulted with our zen friend, Dr. Angela Grice (founder of karmaheartlove) and with the help of mindfulness and yoga, she was able to provide us with comfort. Don’t fret, here are a few tips that can easily be incorporated into your lives to reduce the impact of stress.

September Set: In this time of transition, what is one thing we can do throughout the day to bring a sense of calm in the midst of a hectic schedule or routine?

Dr. Grice: Take just (at least) two minutes and fully transition from one stage to another, since we are always running from one thing to the next.

September Set: So in that two minutes, are your referring to stillness?

Dr. Grice: Yes, taking the time to be still and get comfortable with yourself. Many often pray and that’s our way of talking to God. Stillness and meditation is the way to listen to God.

September Set: Can you give us examples of what stillness can look like in our everyday lives?

Dr. Grice: Yes, little things like:

Deliberate breathing
Walking the dog
Before leaving your car, allow a few moments to breathe
Unplug i.e. do not disturb on your phone, take breaks from social media
Value the importance of taking a break. Superwoman doesn’t exist. Don’t worry about being perfect. Do something you look forward to and come back to stillness.
Don’t be afraid to fall; you will get up. It’s important to try.

“Don’t get caught up on what you think yoga is,” say Dr. Grice, who had her own unique journey to mindfulness and yoga. Grice had to try several different yoga studios to find the right fit for not only her body type but her health needs and lifestyle. She recommends the following tips for finding your best fit to start or continue your yoga practice:

Know yourself and what you like
Visit a variety of studios
Get a sense of the space and the people
When in a class, assess how your feel as a practioner. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is my presence acknowledged?
- Am I being assisted with both poses and transitions into poses?

Breath is the key element that both mindfulness and yoga utilize. “If you stop to breathe, it changes your life,” says Grice. As a doctor who has studied the brain, Grice explained that the simple act of breathing affects how we respond to life’s challenges, allowing us the opportunity to accept who we are in a given moment.

Healing can come from this.

“If you don’t have anything else left to give, you have your breath,” says Grice. “Breathe.”