WELLNESS ON THE WEEKLY

Lind, a certified yoga teacher, offers an introduction to mindfulness, movement, and stress relief for time-pressed people.

The author encourages readers to embark on a yearlong health journey involving yoga, meditation, breathwork, and other self-care strategies. First, she says, readers must gather essentials, including a yoga mat, journal, and comfortable clothes; then, they’ll be ready to set an intention and get to work on wellness strategies. Lind introduces forms of meditation, including yoga nidra (a naplike, full-body relaxation), walking meditation, and silent meditation, reassuring readers that such actions “will either drive you up the wall or make you wonder what you’ve been waiting for all this time.” Readers can learn breathwork, such as alternate nostril breathing (to “feel zen”). A practice known as “Skull Shining Breath” uses forceful exhales for detoxing. Tapping, also known as the “Emotional Freedom Technique,” can help “karate-chop through emotions” via taps on nine meridians throughout the body, she asserts. Lind highlights yoga poses that she says can tap into each of the body’s seven chakras (energy centers). Shoulder shrugs and neck stretches can help one shed “the weight of the world (or your to-do list),” according to the author, and journaling may be used to celebrate strengths, dream about the future, appreciate the body, or forgive oneself. Lind recommends writing down five things for which one is thankful each day, even if it’s as simple as “Thanks to socks for existing.” Some of the advice feels obvious or overexplained, such as “ensure your nostrils are clear. You only need to grab a tissue or hanky and blow. Throw the tissue away and wash your hands.” Overall, though, Lind effectively provides readers with a range of simple techniques to improve their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. With a friendly tone and casual language (“Yaaaas! We. Got. This”), she offers readers motivation in weekly, bite-sized servings. She also includes helpful alternatives for various activities, such as a walking meditation around the house when the weather is bad.

A holistic guide for integrating wellness practices into everyday life all year long.