8 Warming & Healthy Instant Pot Soup Recipes

We’re still in the thick of winter and there is nothing better than a warming & healthy bowl of SOUP! Here are eight of our family’s favorite Instant Pot soup recipes.

My favorite way to make up a batch of soup is with Instant Pot. I love this appliance. (As you all know). Seriously we use this pot almost every day for something. I’ve taken most of my soup recipes and converted them with Instant Pot instructions. It makes it so much easier! No babysitting while cooking. It’s just throw everything in and go do something else for 30 minutes. 

our favorite instant pot soup recipes

1-Hamburger soup

This is a simple, hearty soup my mother used to make. It’s not spicy, but naturally flavorful. This has a good meat and potato flavor that soothes the soul. I need to mention that it is so easy to make. Something you can whip up even if you don’t have a lot of time.

This is a simple, hearty soup my mother used to make. It’s not spicy, but naturally flavorful. Just has a good meat and potato flavor that soothes the soul. I need to mention that it is so easy to make. Something you can whip up even if you don’t have a lot of time.

2-chicken “zoodle” soup

This is a version of “chicken noodle soup” but I’ve used spiralized zucchini instead of noodles. However, you can use real flour noodles or egg noodles if you want. This is a good basic chicken broth and veggie soup. 

That brings us to the next thing, bone broth.

3-Bone Broth

This golden liquid, known as bone broth, is not only yummy but has all these healing properties: Boosts the immune system

  • Can heal a leaky gut
  • Repair damaged joints
  • Create glowing skin
  • Boosts metabolism
  • Builds lean muscle

So why not use it in all your chicken stalk soup based recipes.

4-Creamy Wild rice & mushroom soup

wild rice & mushroom soup

Oh, this soup is good! Creamy, flavorful, and chock full of goodness. This is a soup that you can either add chicken or not, and it will still taste wonderful. 

It makes a nice soup for a luncheon, served with a salad.

 

5-Three bean chili

3 bean chili - Instant pot

This chili recipe is the best I’ve ever tasted. Once again, not too spicy and just simple goodness. If you do like it spicy, like my husband, you can just add more chili powder to your bowl. This chili is good with or without meat. I usually make up two pots, one with meat and one without. 

This is a good one to freeze for later. Well, they all are!

 

6-Zucchini basil

Not the most visual appealing soup, but it DOES taste yummy!

A nice soup to make in the summer months when you have a lot of zucchini and basil in the garden. It’s still a good one in the winter too.

7-Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

For those of you who love the Olive Garden minestrone soup, this taste just like it. Another veggie bean soup that is wonderful and again, easy to make.

8-Kitcheree 

Kitcheree is a traditional Indian food made from split mung beans and basmati rice. It is indeed a wonder food! It’s easy to digest, and cleansing to the digestive system.

The combination of rice and beans makes it a complete protein, so it can be a great protein source if you are vegetarian. When prepared with all the fixings, this meal encompasses all the six tastes, which in Ayurveda is part of eating a balanced diet, as each taste feeds our body, mind, senses, and spirit and satisfies each of the dietary building blocks

So there you have it, eight different Instant Pot soup recipes that you can try. 

Do you know what goes really well with a bowl of soup? Cornbread and biscuits go hand in hand with our soup meals and my husband is usually the one that steps in to make them. 

Here is the recipe for a good basic cornbread, and my mother-in-law’s biscuits. Yummy, yum!

 

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Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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Heart Lollipops: Made with Upcycled Sweaters & Felt

Here it is almost Valentine’s Day, and that means craft time to me. I am always looking for new things to make using my favorite felted wool sweater scraps, and these heart lollipops are the cutest!

It’s a quick little project that you can whip up in no time at all. Trust me, you won’t be able to make just one. 

Of course, you can make these hearts with regular felt, but a felted wool sweater just adds so much character and texture. (I hope you’ve been saving all your felted wool sweater scraps)! They really do come in handy for a lot of things. 

What do you do with heart lollipops?

You can’t eat them, but you can:

  • Stick them in a potted plant to decorate your home
  • Embellish a valentine gift wrapping
  • Place one in a plant that you are giving as a gift
  • Put a bundle of them in a small vase and give as a gift.
  • Leave the stick off, and add a loop to hang the heart on a doorknob or wall.

What you’ll need:

The pattern downloaded, printed and cut out. GET THE PATTERN HERE.

  • fabric scissors
  • embroidery needle and embroidery floss ( about a yard and a half for one heart)
  • felt or felted wool sweater (one that won’t fray)
  • Bamboo skewers, or sucker sticks
  • glue gun and glue sticks
  • fiber fill stuffing

Instructions:

Watch the VIDEO TUTORIAL at the end of the post

Cut out 2 hearts.

Thread the needle with 3 strands of embroidery floss. (Embroidery floss usually comes in a skein of 6 strands) I like to split it into half, making it not so bulky.

Knot the end of the thread and take a stitch right at the point, with the knot sandwiched in middle so it doesn’t’ show.

Sew around the heart using a BLANKET STITCH.  If you are not familiar with this stitch, you can watch a tutorial here.

Stop about an inch from where you started. 

Add a little stuffing to puff it up a bit, but not too much!

Add a little dollop of hot glue to one end of the stick and poke it inside the heart, and inside of the stuffing.

Continue sewing until you come to the bottom point of the heart. Wrap the needle around the stick and take another small stitch to knot the end. 

Insert the needle back into the fabric right on top of a previous stitch and pull the needle out in the middle of the heart. 

Clip the thread.

You can place it in a small cellophane bag and tie a bow around it, or leave unwrapped.

Another way to make the heart is to leave the stick out and add a loop for hanging. 

If you choose to sew them up this way, start sewing at the top notch of the heart instead of the bottom of the heart.

Make a loop with a piece of jute or ribbon and make a knot at the end. Insert that into the heart before you stitch the opening up.

Be sure to check these posts for some other Valentine’s ideas.

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Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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Get Your Money’s Worth: How to Get Every Last Drop Out of the Container

A lot of the products we use are packaged in a way that make it difficult to use every last drop, like toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, dish soap, etc. Here are a few tips on how to get to, and use the UN-accessible to get your money’s worth.

Pump Body Wash or Hand Soap- Every Last Drop

When you find no more soap coming out of your soap pump containers, don’t throw it away quite yet.

Add a little water to the container and swish it around. You’ll get several more applications of soap.

Toothpaste

The scenario: It’s time to brush your teeth and there is no toothpaste. You squeeze, squeegee, and twist that tube but nothing is coming out.  You know there is something left in there, but can’t get to it. If you have spent a lot of money on organic or natural toothpaste, you want to use EVERY DROP!  I have tried many NATURAL and organic toothpastes that don’t have fluoride and all the other toxins, and there is one particular one that I love. Send me a note if you would like to know what it is.

Here is an easy way to get every drop.

Using a pair of utility scissors, cut the toothpaste tube in half.

 

Look how much toothpaste is still in there! Simply dab your toothbrush in there.

Dish Soap

The same thing goes with dish soap. No matter how much you squeeze that bottle, you are not going to get it all out.  When you buy GOOD dish soap, you’ll want to make it stretch.

When you are running the hot water for your dish cleaning, just add a little water, swish and squirt.

You may only get one or two more sink loads, but at least you know you have used every drop!

By the way, don’t throw those dish soap containers away.  I will be showing you in an upcoming post how to make your own non-toxic cleaners and these jars will come in real handy!

Essential Oil Bottles

Do any of you have a sweet smelling drawer full of empty essential oil bottles? As you know, essential oils can be expensive. Some of oils are LIQUID GOLD! Expensive or not you’ll want to use EVERY DROP. I love using essential oils and when a bottle of essential oil is empty, I have a hard time throwing the bottle away. I just put it my drawer hoping I will find a use for it.

Well, I have found one use for these sweet-smelling babies…. make a little spritzer bottle. Research shows that cold-air diffusing or spritzing certain oils may reduce bacteria, fungus, mold, and unpleasant odors, relax the mind and body, relieve tension, clear the mind, improve concentration and mental clarity and dispel odors. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE ESSENTIAL OILS!

There is a spritzer attachment that will fit a 5, 10, 15 or 30 ml glass bottle. You can purchase them HERE for only $1.33  a piece.

So to make a little spritzer bottle here is what you do:

Measure how long the suction tube needs to be. Most likely you’ll have to cut off a portion because it will be too long. Cut it so it will reach the bottom of the bottle.

By the way, there is still quite a bit of oil left in a bottle, even when you think it is empty.

These little bottles are perfect to throw in your purse or travel kit. I use lavender oil to help me relax. Just a few spritzes on my face, or my pillow. Awwwwww.  Lemon, Tea Tree (meleuca), Cinnamon, and clove are great for surface cleaning. (Good to have on hand don’t ya think? Oh, one more thing, peppermint oil spritzed on the face is a great pick me up.  Try it!

So, there you have it. A few tips on how to use every drop and to get your money’s worth.

If you have any other great ideas, please chime in.  I would love to hear your comments.

Keep smiling!

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Beat the Winter Blues: Make Your Own Sunshine

sunshine

When you think about sunshine, it really does affect so many things? After all, the sun is the center of the Solar System and by far the most important source of energy for life on earth. It’s when the clouds cover it up and the days are short, that we really miss it. At least I do! On days like this, you have to make your own sunshine!

The other day my husband and I went on a short winter hike. When we started, the sun was out and even though there was snow on the ground the temperature was quite pleasant. However, halfway through our hike, the sun went behind the clouds. It was amazing how fast the temperature dropped and we found ourselves hustling back to the car.

The lack of sunshine not only cools things down, but it can affect our mood. For some, especially those who suffer from the seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a lack of sun can cause a myriad of negative symptoms. The cold, gray days can really make it tough to have a good outlook on the day. 

I will admit that I am a light freak When we remodeled our home, I made sure we had plenty of windows, and I always open the blinds first thing in the morning to let the sunshine in. So when the sun isn’t there, I admit that I struggle a bit.

So for those of you who are on the same page, I am going to share with you a few tips and things I do to beat the winter blues.

How to make your own sunshine

1 -Change the way you think about the weather.

First of all, the idea that the “lack of sunshine is gloomy” is really just a thought. Is it REALLY? Well, for some, but not everyone.

One of my most favorite mentors of all time, Louise Hay, has a quote that I love.

“There’s no such thing as good weather, or bad weather. There’s just weather and your attitude towards it”.

Perhaps this is something to think about. I know, easier said than done, but something we can be aware of and try to implement.

2 – Get up early and make your bed.

Yep, make your bed. You may be wondering how this is going to make you feel better. Well, it actually does. I swear by it. On those rare days when I linger in bed too long, no good comes of it. My brain just starts overthinking everything. I feel sluggish the rest of the day, and I feel guilty for wasting time.

However, if I get up and make my bed, it just sets the tone for my home and my day. Here is a nice post that gives 5 reasons why you should make your bed. It’s a good read.

Open your blinds. Even if there is no sunshine coming through the windows, there still will be a little light.

3 – Turn on the lights!

Make some fake sunshine. If it’s a gloomy, dark day, turn on the lights. There’s no need to be in the dark. The extra kilowatts on your electric bill will be well worth it!

Another thing you can do is get a full spectrum therapy light. I love the name of this light “HappyLight Lucent light therapy lamp” It mimics sunlight using full spectrum light at up to 10,000 lux to enhance mood, energy, sleep, and focus – but without the harmful UV rays. Set it up and turn it on wherever you are in the house to create a more uplifting atmosphere. These lights really do help.

4 – Get Out!

Call a friend, sibling, loved one and arrange to go do something. Find a quaint little café where you can sit down and chat over coffee or lunch.

Go for a little shopping spree. One year, a bunch of my friends and I loaded up in the car and we went to town and did a little shopping. We hit all the quaint shops, second-hand stores, and Whole Foods Market. Yes, we get excited for Trader Joe’s and Wholefoods because they don’t have these stores in our neck of the woods. 

The months of January and February are a fun time to hit gift stores because they’ll have all their Valentine stuff out.

5 –  Go to a movie

If you don’t get out much, skip Netflix and actually go to the theater where you can order a bag of popcorn and be out with other people. If being around people is not your thing, and you just want to stay home, then cuddle up with a cozy blankie and enjoy a bowl of homemade popped popcorn.

6 – declutter

Getting rid of stuff you don’t need is really quite invigorating and refreshing. The winter months are a great time to do this.

Find an area of your home that has clutter, play some upbeat music and get to it! 

The KonMari Method is quite popular right now. Marie Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, is a good read for getting organized. Several years ago I used this method to revamp my clothes closet. It was the best thing ever! 

7 – Move your body

Moving your body is critical for your wellbeing, especially in the winter. Even though it may not be as convenient to hop on your bicycle or jump on a hiking trail, there are still things you can do to get some kind of exercise.

Find a local exercise class or search for classes online. There are so many options on the internet. Even though it may be cold outside, bundle up and go for a winter hike, snowshoe, or even a stroll around the neighborhood.

If you find it difficult to exercise because of some limitations you may have, (I can relate to this) I do have a YouTube station with some low-key, gentle yoga classes that you can watch. 

Better yet, DANCE! Find some upbeat music that moves you, crank up the volume, and let loose. (If you feel a little self-conscious, you can shut the blinds). I used to be so timid and self-conscious when it came to dancing, but not anymore. It really is freeing!  It may feel awkward and uncomfortable at first, but seriously, if it’s been a while, DO IT!

There are some significant benefits from dancing. My husband and I like to crank up some good 80’s music and we have fun dancing. It takes us back to our college days. Good exercise and a great emotional release after a long day.

Here are some fun little clips of my husband dancing. He was so kind to let me share this.(No, he is not intoxicated, just loves to dance). GIGGLE OUT LOUD!

Play Video

This obviously isn’t the original music he was dancing to. We had to dub in other music because of copyright issues on youtube. It’s still fun to watch him. No inhibitions-how would it be? 

Beat the Winter Blues: Make Your Own Sunshine8 – Reconnect with a hobby or interest

Get out your paints, sewing machine, guitar, or whatever makes your heart sing and do it.

9 – assemble a jigsaw puzzle

This is a great time of the year to get out a card table and put together a jigsaw puzzle. Believe it or not, there are some interesting benefits of jigsaw puzzles. Read this, and you might find yourself on the way to the store to find a cool puzzle to put together. There really is something magical that happens when you start putting a puzzle together.

puzzle sunshine

9 – assemble a jigsaw puzzle

This is a great time of the year to get out a card table and put together a jigsaw puzzle. Believe it or not, there are some interesting benefits of jigsaw puzzles. Read this, and you might find yourself on the way to the store to find a cool puzzle to put together. There really is something magical that happens when you start putting a puzzle together.

10- make cookies or cake

What, cakes and cookies? Believe it or not, there are reasons why baking makes you feel happier, and it’s not all about the delectable treats in the end.

Who doesn’t love a good sugar cookie? (Edible sunshine) Even if you are watching your calories, don’t do sugar, or can’t handle wheat, there are options and recipes out there that you can make and still be able to enjoy a little baked goodness. You can always bake something for someone else.

Here are some of my favorite cookie and cake recipes.

The best sugar cookies ever!

Grandma’s Favorite Texas Sheet Cake

What are some of your favorite things to bake?

The idea here is to DO SOMETHING. No one can move your bottom, or change your thoughts for you.

You can create your own sunshine! 

Let’s embrace the gray, the cold, and find some beauty in it.

Remember, in only a few short months it will be SPRING again!

YOU’VE GOT THIS!

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Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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Instant Pot Chicken Philly: A Tender Delicious Sandwich

Instant pot chicken Philly
Instant pot chicken Philly

When it comes to a Chicken Philly Sandwich, this is the best I’ve ever tasted! What’s even better is that it was a snap to make in the Instant Pot!

This is very similar to the Philly Steak recipe that I posted a while back. So if you prefer chicken over beef, this is a great option! There are times when I make a pot of steak Philly and a pot of chicken Philly. That’s the beauty of having two pots.

The combination of tender chicken, sautéed onions, peppers and provolone on a crunchy hoagie roll, is sure to please!

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can make this in a crock pot. However, it may take you a little longer, like 6 hours longer. I love my Instant Pot.

Instant Pot chicken Philly Sandwich ingredients

  • 2-2 1/2 lbs chicken (4 breasts or 2 breast and 3 thighs)
  • 2 onions, sliced
  • 3 bell peppers, sliced (red, green or yellow) Buy organic if possible, as these are on the dirty dozen list.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (this hand food slicer works is the best)
  • 3 Tablespoons Homemade Italian mix or 1 package Italian Dressing mix
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • provolone cheese slices
  • tomato sliced (optional)
  • 6 hoagie rolls

Chicken Philly Instructions:

  1. Mince garlic

  2. Slice the onions, mushrooms and bell peppers. I love this mushroom chopper.

  3. Reserve the mushrooms and half the onions and peppers to sauté later

  4. Place all the ingredients, EXCEPT the mushrooms, 1/2 the onion and pepper mixture, and the cheese and rolls into the Instant Pot.

  5. Place lid on the pot, flip valve for pressure setting and press “MANUAL”.

  6. Adjust time to 20 minutes ( 30 minutes if the chicken is frozen)

  7. When the beeper sounds, use the Quick Release method.

  8. Remove the chicken onto a plate and shred using two forks.

  9. Place the shredded chicken back into the pot to sit while you prepare the vegetables.

  10. Sauté the remaining onions and peppers until lightly cooked.

  11. Cut the rolls open and place the rolls on a cookie sheet.

  12. Top the bread with a dollop of meat mixture and a slice of cheese.

  13. Broil for a few minutes until bubbly.

  14. Add onions, tomatoes and peppers.

Instant pot chicken Philly
Play Video

This is a 1/2 beef and 1/2 chicken Philly. 

If you like dipping your sandwich, the juice leftover in the pan makes a great au jus.

Enjoy!

Instant Pot Chicken Philly

Instant Pot Chicken Philly
When it comes to a Chicken Philly Sandwich, this is the best I’ve ever tasted! What’s even better is that it was a snap to make in the Instant Pot!
  • Prep Time20 min
  • Cook Time20 min
  • Total Time40 min
  • Yield6
  • Serving Size1 sandwich
  • Meta LabelLabel Value

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 2 onions, sliced
  •  3 bell peppers, sliced (red, green or yellow)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 Tablespoons Homemade Italian mix or 1 package Italian Dressing mix
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 6 provolone cheese slices
  • tomato sliced (optional)
  • 6 hoagie rolls

INSTRUCTIONS

1

Mince garlic

 
2

Slice the onions, mushrooms and bell peppers. I love this mushroom chopper.

3

Reserve the mushrooms and half the onions and peppers to saute later

4

Instant Pot Chicken Philly

Place all the ingredients, EXCEPT the mushrooms, 1/2 the onion and pepper mixture, and the cheese and rolls into the Instant Pot.

5

Place lid on the pot, flip valve for pressure setting and press “MANUAL”.

6

Adjust time to 20 minutes ( 30 minutes if the chicken is frozen)

7

When the beeper sounds, use the Quick Release method.

8

instant pot chicken philly

Remove the chicken onto a plate and shred using two forks.

9

Place the shredded chicken back into the pot to sit while you prepare the vegetables.

10

Sauté the remaining onions and peppers until lightly cooked.

11

Cut the rolls open and place the rolls on a cookie sheet.

12

Top the bread with a dollop of meat mixture and a slice of cheese.

13

Broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

14

Instant Pot Chicken Philly

Add onions, tomatoes and peppers.

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Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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Adaptive Yoga: An Exercise Anyone Can Do

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “yoga”?  Perhaps you visualize a person folded in half or maybe you have an image of a lady with her leg wrapped around her neck like a scarf. Yoga can be very intimidating for some people, therefore they never try it. I am here to tell you that adaptive yoga is awesome and it’s an exercise that anyone can do.

You don’t have to be a flexible gumby, or a young healthy college student. You can adjust yoga to fit any body type and condition.What’s stopping you from practicing yoga?

Some of the reasons that keep people from trying yoga are:

  • joint problems
  • age
  • weight
  • chronic illness
  • inflexibility
  • and other physical limitations

These things do NOT need to stop you from benefiting from one of the best forms of exercise out there. Yoga is not only great for the physical body, but does wonders for your mental health as well. Yoga can change your life. It did mine.

Play Video

How yoga helps me

Almost 25 years ago, I was introduced to yoga. I had just been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition and I did not feel well. Exercising was something I loved to do, but couldn’t anymore because it totally wiped me out. I became depressed, overwhelmed and stressed out. ( I was not in a good place). There was a community yoga class advertised and I enrolled.

Now this was back in the day when yoga was not a popular thing. There were no yoga studios in town. This class was held in the hall of a community high school, lockers and all. Yep, not the most aesthetic place to practice yoga, but it was good enough to get me hooked. Hooked for life!

I continued to study yoga, and shortly after began teaching. Sharing yoga is my passion! Even though I experience Lupus and a few other health conditions, yoga keeps me going. I seriously don’t know where I would be without it, probably still lying on the couch with fatigue and pain. You can get the full story in my book.

Yoga helps me manage stress, reduces the inflammation in my body, and keeps the stiffness at bay. I can tell when I miss a few days. My body craves it. I used to practice and teach power and flow yoga, but my now my body resonates with a more gentle type of yoga.

So what is so great about adaptive yoga?

Let a few of my senior yoga students tell you why they love yoga.

1-  Can slow the effects of stress and aging

It is pretty much a given that yoga is good for stress, right? Well here is some interesting research that shows how reducing stress by doing yoga can reduce the negative effects of aging.

Researchers measured biomarkers of cellular aging and stress before and after the 12-week yoga program and found that yoga slowed down markers of cellular aging and lowered measures of inflammation in the body.

2-  Increases flexibility

Most people think you have to BE flexible to practice yoga, but it’s actually a benefit that comes from doing yoga. Stretching the body is so healthy. Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage. Stretching just makes you feel good!

3-  It’s non-competitive

When you practice yoga, it’s just you and your mat. There is no one else to impress or compare to. At least that is how it’s supposed to be. I encourage my students to listen to their body and not to compare themselves with anyone. Only you can know what’s good for your body and if you press further than that you won’t be productive.

4-  Can be done almost anywhere

Just roll out your mat and do your thing. You can practice yoga at home, in a studio, out in nature, on the beach, or in the airport waiting area. (My husband has been known to find a corner at the airport between flights where he can do a few poses to relieve sciatic pain between flights).

5-  Increases body tone and endurance

Yoga is a great way to tone your body and increase endurance. Most people are very surprised when they first practice yoga how much strength and endurance it does take. What a great way to build muscle. Depending on what type of yoga you are doing, yoga can even give you a great cardiovascular workout as well.

6-  Improves mood

Yoga is a natural way to increase serotonin and other mood enhancing hormones. The production and serotonin is believed to play a major role in happiness. I think we all could use a little more happiness. The breathing that you do in yoga is also beneficial for improving your mood. I don’t think there has ever been a time when I felt worse after practicing yoga.

7-  Can be adapted to fit almost any physical condition

This is what I love about adaptive yoga. It doesn’t really matter what you are experiencing in your body, there is usually a way to adapt a pose to make it suitable for you. Even if you are in a wheelchair, you can move and exercise those parts of your body that do move. If you have limitations, a chair can be used.

8-  Can be done at any age

I teach a weekly chair yoga class at the senior center in my community, and it’s amazing what those folks can do with the assistance of a chair. My oldest student is a 100 year old woman. What an inspiration she is to me.

 

Even children can benefit from yoga. Kids love yoga. So if you feel tied down because you have children at your feet all day, have them join you on the mat!

Find a yoga class that works for you

I encourage you to find a yoga class that suits you and get started! If you haven’t ever done yoga, find a beginners class. Keep in mind that there are a lot of types of yoga out there. Don’t get discouraged if the class you take isn’t your cup of tea. Keep looking until you find one that suits you.  Some like a more vigorous intense practice, and some enjoy a more restorative class. Mix it up and explore.

I also recommend trying different styles and teachers. Some will resonate with you and some won’t.

Some yoga resources

YOUTUBE Channel – Gentle Yoga with Jan

One of my passions is to share yoga and make it available to everyone, especially to those with limitations. I recently started a Youtube channel that focuses on a more gentle type of yoga. There are a few videos up and running right now.  These first videos focus on proper alignment and benefits of specific poses.

I will also be listing classes and tutorials for those of you who need a little more assistance using a chair.

So excited to get this up and running. I hope you will join me.

Adaptive Yoga with a Chair – DVD & Book

This is a DVD and Book that I have available on Amazon.

 

In the Adaptive Yoga book and DVD I teach you a modified sun salutation. One version of the salutations is totally done in the chair and the other version is a standing salutation using the assistance of a chair. What I love about the book, is that you can hang it from the chair so you can follow the illustrated steps and exercises.


So whether you have a healthy, toned body, or you have a few health issues, you CAN adapt yoga to fit YOU!

You may be interested in these posts:

OFFICE YOGA

BED YOGA

FOOT YOGA

I’m excited to connect with some of you on the yoga mat. I hope you’ll join me!

Please send me a note if you have any questions or comments!

Namaste

jan

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