Yoga And Running Can Go Hand In Hand: 4 Yoga Poses for Runners

Runners may be considered as the fittest persons out there because they have maximum strength and flexibility. However, runners can gain a lot more from incorporating yoga into their routine. On a scientific basis, yoga can strengthen the runner’s upper body which in turn can make the person a better sprinter. These Vedic poses can increase the stability and balance, which will promote a healthy core and improve posture. Without further ado, here are some yoga poses for runners, which will definitely help in one way or the other.

Cow Face Fold Pose

• This posture is also known as Gomukhasana.
• Sit on the mat with legs drawn-out in front of you.
• Now, fold your left leg and put it under the right buttocks
• Next, fold your right leg, and position it on top of the left thighs. Knees of both of your legs should be one above the other.
• Now, fold your left arm and place it behind your back.
• Next, bend your right arm and position it over the right shoulders and place it on your back. Stretch it as far as you can.
• Try to touch both your hands behind your back. At first, you can touch only your fingers, but when you get into the habit of doing the pose regularly, you will be able to hold all fingers of both hands.
• Keep yourself erect and straight, your head should be pulled a little to the back.
• Try to retain this position for as long as it is comfortable. All this while, breathe deeply.
• This yoga pose for runners makes the back more flexible and removes stiffness from shoulders.

Rag Doll Pose

• This posture is also called Uttanasana.
• Firstly stand erect in tadasana or mountain pose.
• Now, begin by taking deep breath inside and at the same time raise your arms and take them over your head.
• While exhaling, start bending your hips.
• Now, bring your arms forward and slowly then bring them down, along with the torso. They should touch the floor.
• Next, put your hands behind your legs and join them together.
• Try to remain in this position for 7-8 breaths.
• Finally, bring your hands in the front and start pulling yourself upwards. Remember to keep your head hanging down until you are completely upright.
• You can repeat the pose 4-5 times.
• Uttanasana rejuvenates the spinal nerves and provides overall flexibility to the body.

Happy Child Pose

• This pose is also called Ananda Balasana.
• Lie down on your back and bend your knees.
• Now clutch both of your thighs using both the hands. You can also hold the toes of your feet.
• Rock yourself gently left to right as a cradle rocks.
• Try to increase the stretch in your hips and lower back.
• Lull your mind into a state of relaxation.
• This yoga pose for runners helps in relieving any tension from the lower back area and helps open your chest, shoulders and hips.

If you have any medical condition, speak to your physician before attempting yoga. Likewise, consult a certified yoga expert before performing any of the poses. 

Relationship Advice For Men: 10 Must Follow Tips To Make Your Relationship Long Lasting

A true relationship is one where two imperfect people refuse to give up on each other. They fight, they argue, they will stop talking for a while but keep going on dates, and never ever think about separating. Common belief is that it is the woman who puts in more efforts to keep a relationship going. This is not entirely true. Men too make efforts, just that they can’t communicate well. 

Men often avoid communicating or expressing themselves due to something called `the male ego’. Men should realize that both the partners are required to take a step forward for a relationship to move forward. Here are a few relationship advice for men.

Communicate with your partner

Communication is the best solution.  Unless you communicate, your partner will not know what is going in your mind and unless she knows the problem she will not have a solution. Communication is must-whether it is to express displeasure or love. Communicate with your girl and you will see how the confusion and misunderstandings vanish into thin air.

Shelve your male ego

Most men have their own set of notions about what is `manly’ and what is `girlie’, and they act accordingly.  For example, men avoid cooking thinking that it is a woman’s job. However, cooking together or helping partner in the kitchen strengthens the bonding. Similarly, men are advised to give equal importance to partner’s family. The concept of `man’s family first’ is against the principle of equality and often creates problems in a relationship.    

Be honest, never take her for granted

Honesty is the best policy. If you are honest with your partner, trust me you will get all the happiness in your relationship. Just remember don’t cheat on her. Cheating starts with your first lie, and ends with a broken relationship. Women normally do not forgive men if they are dishonest or cheat on them. Never give a feeling that she is just there to take care of you and your home. Just be frank with each other and learn to accept mistakes. At times you will have to be diplomatic-sugarcoat your words to say something that you know she will not like.

Small gestures work

This is the most important relationship advice for men. Appreciate her every now and then, make her feel special. A simple rose can do wonders. Compliment her on her looks, eyes, hair, dress, etc. Tease her, flirt with her, surprise her with gifts (not necessarily expensive ones), take her out for romantic evenings, go on a long drive, give her attention and be protective. These gestures will bring back spark in your relationship. Women like being pampered, and these gestures help you win your lady’s heart.

 

Dreams and decisions

Always share your dreams for a bright future, women love it. Also help your lady realize her dreams. Help each other in achieving goals. Once this happens both will feel satisfied and successful, this will cement the trust between the two of you. Another important advice for men is that you should consult your lady before taking major decisions. With this you will win her faith, and boost her confidence in you. This also gives a signal that you need her support and that her views matter. She will feel important and this is good for a healthy relationship.

  

Be the best partner

You know she is so proud to have you as her partner, so it is your duty now to be the best boyfriend or hubby around. You have to prove her right. Do not hesitate to show your love and respect, even in public, especially when her girl gang is around. 

Respect your woman

This relationship advice should be followed by all men. You have to show your woman that you respect her. You must have the trait of chivalry to express your intentions and feelings. Disrespecting her in front of her or behind her back gives a bad impression of your personality-not only to your woman but to others as well.

Romance and making love

Romantic gestures and flirting makes a relationship strong and fresh. The next part of happy and healthy relationship is sexual chemistry. Good sex life is important for the stability of a relationship. Add spice to your sex life to make it happening- try new positions, new places, awkward time, etc.

Arguments and relationships

Arguments are an integral part of all relationships, but that doesn’t signal the end of a relationship. Do not walk away from an argument thinking it will worsen the situation. Instead, try sorting it out by talking to each other and discuss the issue. If you think that relationship is not working, help each other to smoothen out the differences. Make efforts rather than blaming her. 

Create memories and enjoy

The best part of relationship is creating memories and cherishing them. Enjoy each other’s company, and live every moment that you spending together, nothing can be more beautiful than these special moments. Collect pictures, make notes of love, make clips to remember, etc, all these gestures give the feeling of togetherness, and make everything memorable. Men, follow the advice. It works!

How To Be a Good Parent: Teach, Not Preach!

Always remember, “There is no job more important than parenting.” Being a parent means loving your children more than you have ever loved yourself. Parenting is a never ending job. Yes, it is not easy. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t be a good parent. All you need is a little patience, and the feeling of love and care. Remember, you should try to be just a good parent, not to a perfect parent. So here are few tips for how to be a good parent.

Love and affection

Love and affection is the first thing that every parent should give to their child. This strengthens the bonding. A warm touch, love and care make your child comfortable, and he develops trust in you. With your deeds and words try and tell how much you love them. You should develop that kind of confidence, where the child feels free to share everything with you. 

Discipline matters

There should be no trade-off between discipline and love and affection. Both should coexist. Few rules and regulations are must to control your child. Set reasonable rules for your kids, rules which they can follow and help in their development. Make sure that they follow the rules. Always be consistent with the rules. Rules give protective feeling to kids, and thus ensure a happy life.

Teach them to be independent

Never confuse discipline with dictatorship. Discipline does not mean that you start dictating your child’s life. Let the child choose his/her own path. Teach your child that it is okay to be different and not being just one of the crowd. Guide and help them decide what is wrong and what is right. If you want to be a good parent, help and encourage your children to take their own decisions. If their decision is wrong, instead of scolding explain to them why it is wrong.

Give yourself time

How to be a good parent is not a degree you get after learning in a set time period. It is a daily learning process, which you and your partner experience each day. If things are not going according to your plan, do not lose hope just give some time to yourself. See why and where things are going wrong, after identifying the weak links start improving on them. 

What to do and what not

You must change few of your habits that may be affecting your child. For example you may not be spending quality time with your child. Remember the best thing a good parent can give to a child is time. You have to win their trust, so give them respect. Never try to show them down by comparing them with their friends or siblings. Boost their confidence by praising their efforts. If you want to be a good parent, always listen to them, always be there for them in their happy and sad moments. Do not criticize them always, just criticism their behavior to bring about the change.

Do not stop them always

Every time a child wants to do something new, normal tendency is to stop him. Do not do this always, it will hamper creativity. Then, remember mistakes are not always bad, so do not always stop them from making mistakes. A child learns from mistakes. Let your children experience life, allow them to learn new things and gain new experiences. Experiences are essential for development.

Help them in character building

It is duty of a good parent to child in character building. You need to be a role model as “children learn more from what you are than what you teach.” Be open and educate them about sex, alcohol and things that are considered `bad’. Tell them if they are actually bad, or why excess of certain things is bad. Encourage them to lead a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Be reasonable

How to be a good parent doesn’t mean that you should be after their life 24X7.  Give them space and privacy, respect their individuality, do not overload them with unreasonable expectations, avoid unreasonable restrictions, control your temper and deal with them as a friend-parent mix, never give too many commands at a time and always be a team with your partner in front of your child. Just remember a good parent’s work is never over!   

How To Take Care Of Dogs: Be The Person Your Dog Thinks You Are

God couldn’t be physically with us so He gave us dogs…notice dog spelt backwards is God, and they both show unconditional love! How true. Dog is the one who loves you more than he loves himself. He is your best friend, understands you better than even your family. He shows signs of pain when you are in pain. He is a doctor in disguise too. 

He makes you happy, and thus prevents depression from coming anywhere near you. He gives you positivity, and lowers your stress. In many hospitals dogs are been used to give therapy to cancer patients. 

Studies have shown that dogs enable quick recovery, especially in cases of those who have undergone major surgeries. So it is our duty and responsibility to take good care of our dogs. As they say,“ Be the person your dog thinks you are.”

How to take care of dogs- feeding and food

The most important part of dog care is food and feed time. Always feed your dog good quality food, and always keep him hydrated.  Always go through the labels on dog food products and check the nutrients. Take advice from your vet, and know the difference between puppy and dog food. Provide clean water, and always carry his water bowl while travelling.

Fix a feed routine. Provide him food at fixed time, for example feed them twice a day. Amount should be fixed and according to the breed. Avoid food which harm them-like chocolates, bread dough, avocados, raisins, onions etc. Do not overfeed as it can lead to an upset stomach or weight gain.

How to take care of dogs- health and exercise

Health of a dog is as important as it is for you. Regular visits to a vet, and proper and timely vaccinations are must. When in doubt, talk to your vet. Use regular parasite prevention treatments, as parasites are very dangerous for dogs. 

The most important thing is desexing your dog. This reduces the risk of many serious health problems like mammary cancer, prostrate disease, thyroid issues and cardiac problems. By the way, you can also get a health insurance for your dog.

As for you, exercises are must for a dog too. Take him for a walk twice daily. To get fresh, dogs need to go for a walk 20 minutes after their meal. Play with your dog. Jumping, running and swimming are good for dogs. 

To initiate them to exercising, do not forget to reward them for target achievement.  Train them to socialise. Give them freedom to explore and play while on walks, this is good for their health.

How to take care of dogs- grooming, cleanliness and love

Proper hygiene and grooming is mandatory for the betterment of their health and looks.  Brush their teeth twice or thrice a week with dog’s brush and toothpaste.  You need to brush their coat also to keep it soft, shiny and healthy with a dog special comb or hair brush.  

Keep their coat clean to prevent ticks and infection. Bathe them with mild dog shampoo once or twice in a month. Get their coat and nails trimmed by a dog groomer. Type of grooming and hygiene varies with breeds.

Puts tags on collar with your address, name and number, it will help in case they get lost.

Dogs are very emotional and sentimental. You must try to understand his feelings, and it is your duty to respect their feelings and reciprocate with love, care and respect. Pamper them, dogs love it. Make them comfortable when they asleep or taking a nap. 

Build a bond of love and respect with your dog. Always remember, “Show a dog an ounce of love and he will be your friend for life.”