"Hopeful" Yoga

by Kathy Lupfer Nielsen, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent

 
Just finished reading an article on “being hopeful” and yoga and wondered to myself…could this be something that my 82 year old farmer/father would try while he’s on chemo? The article was all about research that had been done on cancer survivors using yoga to help them relax and sleep better.

And while the movement of yoga would help him, I’m positive that he thinks climbing on and off the tractor is just good enough for his activity level. However the whole breathing and body awareness might help him out…then maybe he wouldn’t have a big spike in his blood pressure when he goes to the doctor because he’s worried…you know you can control some body functions by learning to relax.

While other forms of exercise, stretching and moderate walking can also help those with cancer, the researchers found that since yoga incorporates controlled breathing, quiet meditation and other aspects of mindfulness, that makes yoga more effective.

The family will encourage the tractor driving as long as he feels like doing it. It actually makes him so tired that he sleeps well at night which can be a problem for those on chemo. But it does drive my mother crazy when he’s out on the tractor so maybe we’ll just sign her up for some yoga. 

At any rate, we can all learn to relax better and here is the breathing exercise that is found in the Caregiver Helpbook. Learning mindfulness and being able to quiet one’s mind is a skill that can be difficult to learn but this breathing exercise is a way to begin.

Breathing for relaxation

1. Close your eyes. If that isn’t possible, quietly become aware of your breathing.
2. Inhale to the count of seven, slowly and deeply. Exhale to the count of seven, slowly and deeply. Exhaling is “letting go.”
3. Repeat-without forcing your breathing in any way. If your mind becomes distracted, refocus on your breathing.
4. Continue for one or two minutes or longer if you want. Notice how relaxed you feel overall.

So imagine your basic Kansas farmer type, sitting in a cross legged fashion doing his breathing exercises. Or better yet, practicing downward facing dog yoga pose. (Look that one up online.) Brings a smile to my face, especially if he is wearing tractor ear plugs and doesn’t have to listen to my mother’s chatter while he’s relaxing...Just saying.