If you’ve felt more stressed in recent years, you’re not alone! Our nervous system controls our response to stress. It's designed to protect us in times of danger, but for many people it is stuck in a state of high alert or shut down.

This can result in symptoms of overwhelm, anxiety, disturbed sleep or appetite, overreactivity and more.

Fortunately, you can learn how to protect yourself from the negative effects of stress by recognizing signals from your nervous system and responding to them as valuable messengers. Then, you can apply strategies to help you relax or energize, depending on your needs.

This 6- week online Yoga Series program combines the ancient wisdom of practices including yoga and mindfulness with current research. No yoga experience is required. A trauma-sensitive approach offers participants choices about how they practice, honouring their pace and comfort level.

You will learn about your nervous system, in addition to gentle movement, breathing, and mindfulness exercises to reduce stress. These simple and effective techniques can be used to restore balance and promote recovery in the body and mind.

You will experience a variety of mind-body practices to enhance well-being that can be applied immediately to your own life and shared with others.

Topics covered in the six sessions:

• Help your survival brain feel safe
• Widen your window of tolerance
• Stimulate your vagus nerve naturally
• Restore yourself with nature
• Apply the healing balm of self-compassion

Each 90-minute interactive session will include information, discussion and a practice of approximately 60 minutes. Sessions (except for discussion) will be recorded with a replay available for one year. Resources for further exploration will be provided.

Please join us for this transformative series!

Bio: Kathleen Pratt, Certified Yoga Instructor and Social Worker

Kathleen transitioned from a 25+ year career as a social worker to yoga teacher after yoga helped her cope with the stress of caregiving and bereavement. She offers inclusive and trauma-sensitive yoga and mindfulness in Kingston, Ontario and online throughout North America. Motivated by her own personal experience, Kathleen has a special interest in helping people with persistent pain, grief, and pelvic health. She brings her extensive experience in group facilitation and enthusiasm for research to this unique program and can’t wait to share it with you!

Learn more about Yoga 4 the Rest of Us with Kathleen at http://www.kathleenpratt.ca