Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India. It involves various postures, breathing techniques, and meditation practices that aim to improve flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

In recent years, yoga has gained popularity as a way to alleviate pain and improve focus and concentration. You do not have to be Hindu to practice yoga - that is a myth I think prevents many people from trying it out - they feel their religious beliefs would be compromised. Additionally, there are many forms of yoga. Not all include elaborate poses.

(Photo credit: M Cushion)

Does the hustle of daily life keep you moving from the moment you wake up until you collapse into bed at night? Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to keep stress in check. Here are five proven stress reducers, making it possible for you to juggle many responsibilities without losing peace of mind: 1. Disconnect from Your Devices Mobile devices have transformed the workday from 9 - 5 to 24/7. A critical component of managing stress is turning off the noise - and that means closing your laptop and putting your cell phone on silent for a while every day. If work simply can't wait, schedule a specific time to catch up - perhaps an hour after dinner. Handle only urgent items, and make a commitment to shut down when the hour is up. 2. Commit to a Meditation Practice Feelings of stress start in the mind when there is simply too much to process comfortably. Meditation is the art of clearing your head by focusing your thoughts on the present moment. Otherwise known as mindfulness, meditation supports you in putting past events to rest, while easing worry and anxiety about the future. 3. Take a Yoga, Tai Chi or Qigong Class These ancient arts have been a cornerstone of Eastern wellness and alternative medicine for thousands of years. Practitioners experience a reduction in stress as a result of the physical activity, in addition to the relaxation that comes with clearing the mind of racing thoughts. 4. Make Time for Journaling Writing out your hopes and dreams - along with the issues causing you anxiety - has been proven effective in stress reduction over and over again. Journaling helps to reduce the intensity of strong feelings, taking the sting out so you can release them and move on. 5. Schedule a Massage Touch is a proven stress-reducer and massage has become an essential for good health, not an extravagance. I'm all about getting to the spa as often as you can as a part of making wellness a priority in your life (my recent float therapy was amazing.) But this is also real life and sometimes it's not always possible due to scheduling or finances. That's why I use my M Cushion, an at home shiatsu massage cushion. (IT IS AMAZING.) Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!