Healthy Habits: Tips from Thara Natalie

Physical Fitness & Sports Month is being celebrated all this month and with school about to be out and the temperatures rising, it's time to go outside.

 

Thara Natalie is a certified Yoga Teacher, Karuna Reiki Healer and Health Coach. She is married to International Pop Star, Jay Sean, and is the owner and operator of Spirit Warrior Tribe. Thara was introduced to Reiki and In just a few sessions, she was able to make both physical and mental breakthroughs and she was tuned into her body in an even more acute way. Reiki became an additional tool in her wellness kit and in 2019, she decided it was time to take the journey to becoming a Karuna Reiki healer.

I had a chance to interview her about making positive health changes.

Why is yoga a good practice for anyone to start?  

Yoga is good for our overall health.  I always tell my students, "healthy spine, healthy life!"  The benefits are truly endless supporting us on our physical and mental and even spiritual journeys. Honestly, yoga just makes me a better person! I'm happier, I'm kinder and I'm way more patient after I've done my yoga practice. I've seen the changes not just in myself, but also in my students.  

What are some common myths about yoga and what are the facts?

The biggest myth is that you need to be flexible to do yoga. The whole point is to come to yoga to get more flexible! I love helping people to create progress over a consistent time; getting more flexible and strong in their bodies. It's always fun the first time someone is able to do a pose they weren't able to do before. Their eyes light up like little kids. It's the best! 

Another myth is that yoga is easier than other workouts.  Most students who are very fit are very surprised by how much of a great workout they get when they come to my hot yoga classes. Of course it's different from running or weight training but it's still an incredible workout. I also like to call it a "work in" because you really shift your connection to self over time practicing. I think that's what makes it so different from other workouts. You're super focused, your thoughts clear and you just find presence for the time you are on your mat.  t becomes a beautiful dance between your body and your breath.  

With warmer weather and more light, it can be hard to sleep well - what are your tips for getting a good night's sleep in the summer?

Create a night time anchor ritual so that your body knows you are winding down for sleep.  Shut off devices at least an hour before. Drink a nice calming tea like chamomile or lavender.  Spray a nice sleep spray on your pillow and grab your favorite book in bed. I love lighting a candle on my bedside table and I use a blue light blocking reading light clamp on my book.  And also don't forget to change your duvet over to a lighter one. Do a body scan breathing exercise when you're ready to shut off the light. Simple shifts can make a big difference. Your mind does well on routine so create a routine that prepares your body for a good night's rest.  

Why is it important to focus not just on one piece of health, but on several - such as nutrition, movement, and mental health?

We are such multi-faceted beings! If you're eating healthy but not moving your body, that could still be detrimental to your blood pressure. If you're moving your body but not eating nourishing foods, that's not good for your heart either! If you're so focused on nutrition and movement but making yourself feel pressured and living too rigidly, that's not healthy for your mindset either!  I have an entire team to support me being my best. We deserve to live healthy, vibrant lives!  With the right nutrition, movement and self care; we can achieve that.

Thara Natalie has gone from singer to Spirit Warrior and feels blessed to have found the connection between physical movement, mental stillness and nutrition. This is her trifecta for success in all areas of life. She puts all of this into practice as a yoga studio owner & teacher, a health coach and a Karuna Reiki healer. Her greatest gift is helping her clients to go deeper; making shifts throughout mind, body and spirit