BIG - Managing Stress
April is Stress Awareness Month: In recognition of Stress Awareness Month, WASA is highlighting simple, effective ways to manage stress and support your overall well-being. Stress is something we all experience—regardless of ability or life circumstances—and finding healthy ways to cope is essential.
One powerful outlet is movement. Participating in adaptive sports and recreation not only helps reduce stress, but also creates opportunities to build confidence, boost mood, and connect with a supportive community of peers.
Explore the CDC article below for more strategies and tools to help you manage stress and prioritize your well-being this month and beyond.
HIGHLIGHT - Managing Stress Through Yoga
Inside scoop from Christina (Ripp) Schwab: Team USA Head Coach, Paris Paralympic Games - Silver Medalists, 3x Paralympic Gold Medalist Athlete, & WASA Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Athlete on how she manages stress through yoga:
“I sought out the practices of yoga and meditation in 2020. During this time, there were so many unknowns, and I knew I needed to move my body and calm my nervous system. So, with the help of my friend and mentor, Laia, we explored what I was able to do in the physical side of yoga. This was a big learning process for me, and my mentor consistently reminded me that yoga does not have to look a certain way. Yoga is so much more than perfect poses. Throughout this journey I found out I am capable of way more than I thought, and props are my best friends. By props I mean blocks, blankets, pillows, extra mats, whatever works best for your body. And while getting movement and mastering poses were my initial goal, I found the biggest benefits to my overall wellbeing were through meditation and breath-work that are built into practicing yoga.
I’ve since traveled the world with my mat, and every time I come back to it, I am reminded that practicing is a great way to stay present and to control what I can control. There is never a time I regret taking time to practice. Being present in our bodies and aligning with our breath, with or without movement, is enough”
See below a picture of Christina’s current set up:
