Sea Island Life Magazine Fall/Winter 2014 | Page 24

get fit

GOING STEADY

ACHIEVE FOCUS AND INNER PEACE THROUGH DIFFERENT METHODS OF FINDING YOUR BALANCE.
BY DEBRA BOKUR

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Clockwise from left: Stand-up paddleboard yoga; Mahankirn Kaur; the Good Mood technique

hether for professional or
personal reasons, multitasking

a necessity. We’re constantly
pulled in different directions, which makes it
can seem like an elusive concept, but fortunately, there are multiple ways of alleviating
stress and achieving equilibrium.
Mahankirn Kaur, author of “Three Minute
Start,” says that regardless of how busy you are,
it’s simple to take a few minutes of your day to

your stress trigger creeping in, you can keep
from going into that spiral that leads to other
negative emotions like anger or depression,”
Kaur says. “Over time, this strengthens your
nervous system and balances your mind, helping you to handle these emotions better while
bringing you back to your authentic self.”

seers, or “rishis,” thousands of years ago. But in
contemporary times, they are more useful than

your outlook by sitting with your hands in front

of you, right hand over left, like a cup. Inhale
through your nose any negative thoughts or
emotions, then blow them into your palm,
Another route to achieving balance, yoga,
strength and tone through regular practice.
Sea Island puts a modern twist on yoga with
“kayoga,” a fun meld of yoga and kayaking.
Sea Island also offers yoga for all levels, including heated yoga and stand-up paddleboard yoga.
A naturalist accompanies kayoga classes,
which meet at the Rainbow Island dock
before heading into the Black Banks River.

“Even people who have never done this will
enjoy it,” says Bethany Reese, lead yoga
instructor at Sea Island. “It’s invigorating
and simultaneously calming to be in the
river’s natural setting.”
through meditation, the Three Minute Start,
a step toward a healthier, more harmonious life.
For more of Kaur’s techniques and to download
the Good Mood app, visit 3minutestart.com.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Finding balance requires examining not only physical activity but also food intake. The Spa at
Sea Island and Fitness Center’s nutritionist and lifestyle coach, Joyce Mattox, offers tips on
creating a balanced diet to maintain optimal energy levels throughout the day.
FOOD ISN’T COMPLICATED: “With all these packaged items and supplements, it can be
overwhelming,” Mattox says. “Food is supposed to be a joy.” She suggests preparing colorful
plates with a mix of produce, proteins and complex carbohydrates like whole grain bread.
ALL DIETS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL: “If you’re an intense athlete, your diet will differ from
if you are just playing tennis with friends,” she says. “Think about your family history and your
lifestyle, and find what works for you.”
CONS