Ballantyne Magazine covers news, events, real estate, restaurants, shopping, health, schools and business in the upscale Ballantyne Area of Charlotte, NC.
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BALLANTYNE | feature If You Have One Hour Poses like Downward Dog, Cobra an d Warrior help improve fexibility, strength, balance and posture while reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Yoga instructors at Ballantyne Village Y accommodate all levels of participants. 50 BALLANTYNE MAGAZINE WINTER 2014-2015 get over a mid-afternoon slump, British researchers found that napping was more effective than caffeine or getting more sleep at night. A 30-minute nap can improve alertness and boost creativity. Naps appear to increase activity in the right side of the brain, the hemisphere responsible for processing images, emotion and intuition. For the biggest benefits, nap between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. (a later nap could interfere with nighttime sleep) and set an alarm to keep naps to 30 minutes or risk waking up groggy. One-Hour Options Go to a yoga class: Poses like Downward Dog, Cobra and Warrior help improve flexibility, strength, balance and posture while reducing stress and promoting relaxation. "Yoga classes help bring your mind, body and spirit in harmony," says Jill Voso, director of Ballantyne Village YMCA. "It's restorative and therapeutic, but it's also a good workout." The good news: You don't have to be able to bend like a pretzel to experience the benefits. Instructors are trained to work with students on all levels, from those stepping on the mat for the first time to experienced yogis. Get a massage: Massage is great for relaxation, but there is another reason to book an appointment.