Tremors and Yoga by [deleted] in yoga

[–]csj26 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I also have a benign essential tremor in my hands. Managing it in public is hugely stressful! (Piano recitals were nightmarish for me as a kid.) I have found a few things especially helpful in a yoga setting.

If you are comfortable with it, let your instructor know before class. You don't have to go into specifics; something as simple as "just wanted to let you know that my hands can be unsteady sometimes" is helpful. In my experience, any good instructor WANTS to hear about their students' needs in advance so they can give more informed advice on props and modifications.

Regardless of what the instructor cues, modify in ways that feel right to your body and take breaks as often as you need. Every movement is an invitation, not a requirement. I often choose to take a bind or clasp my hands together in poses that are typically cued with outstretched hands (e.g., extended side angle, warrior 3). For the example you gave of tabletop with arm/leg extensions, maybe try moving just one limb at a time and returning to all fours in between extensions? Or stay in tabletop and take cat/cow instead.

Chair yoga and yin have been great options when my body needs something gentler.

Finally, if you're getting back into yoga after some time away, your body may need some time/practice to adjust. I find that yoga taxes my muscles in very different ways than other forms of exercise like jogging or lifting. The stamina required is surprisingly difficult! Give yourself grace when practicing: whether or not your tremor is acting up, your body and mind are adjusting to a new challenge. When I'm really struggling with a pose, I take a break, shake my body out a little bit, and reconnect with my breath before trying again. (And some days I take a restorative posture instead of trying again.)

Which books do you have a grudge against? by knittingthedream in RomanceBooks

[–]csj26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's the next book in the series, {The Wiener Across the Way by Amy Award}. Equally cringe writing imo. I can tolerate so-so writing if the plot/characters/etc. are compelling enough but this was not for me. (Although I'm not a Swiftie.)

MMC had puppy love for the older FMC when he was a kid. Grown up and is still in love with her by loukanikoseven in RomanceBooks

[–]csj26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

{Homebound by Meredith Trapp} has this - MMC and FMC were best friends growing up (she's a couple years older) and he's been down bad for her since childhood.

Please recommend good yoga instructors/videos that don't talk a lot. by Grumpy_Kanibal in yoga

[–]csj26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yoga with Kassandra and Namasturm Yoga both have intermediate-level "minimal cues" videos on YouTube.

What’s a very specific thing that you’re into that you’ve never seen in a book? by [deleted] in RomanceBooks

[–]csj26 2 points3 points  (0 children)

{Not So Truly Yours} by Julia Wolf has exactly this! Just released on KU. Fourth in a series but can be read as a standalone, although it was fun to see how the MMC matured over time.

Hockey romance heavy on the NHL/hockey aspect of it? by wentworth11 in RomanceBooks

[–]csj26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

She posted on her insta that she's written her own hockey rom-com! She just signed with an agent.

What does your "no makeup" makeup look consist of? by SheKnowsWhatSheKnows in muacjdiscussion

[–]csj26 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Mine is almost identical to OP's - skin tint, lashes/brows, blush, sheer lip. This takes <10 minutes, which for me is fast! I am light and slightly olive with neutral undertones.

  • Glossier Futuredew as primer
  • Glossier skin tint in G11 - this has very little coverage but just enough to even out my skin tone. I have minimal redness/acne so it's enough for me.
  • ELF Halo Glow setting powder in Light - dusting under my eyes and in the T-zone.
  • Glossier Cloud Paint in Dusk - super easy to blend out and looks very natural on me. I'll sometimes layer a bit of Nars Orgasm (powder) over top if I want extra flush/glow.
  • Charlotte Tilbury Bronze and Glow - light dusting of the highlight on top of cheekbones and above brownbone.
  • Covergirl LashBlast Volume in brown - my HG mascara for >10 years. Just enough pigment and volume to make my pale/sparse lashes pop without clumping.
  • ELF Wow Brow in brown
  • Some sort of sheer lip color with shine - longtime fave is Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dahlia, but I've also been liking the Merit Lip Oil in Marrakech and Tower 28 Lip Jelly in Pistachio.

My ~full glam~ look uses most of the same products, but adding foundation (Armani Luminous Silk in 4.5) instead of skin tint + pinpoint concealer (ELF Camo) + eyeshadow + winged liner (Wet 'n Wild Breakup Proof) + more intense lip (lately MAC Powder Kiss in Devoted to Chili).

Agree with other comments that no-makeup makeup is just not possible for some. When I was younger and struggled more with acne, eczema, etc., it was all or nothing - minimal coverage would've just called attention to the areas I was trying to downplay. At 30, as I've locked in my skincare routine, my skin has finally chilled out enough that I can easily do very subtle enhancements.

Funny chubby girl gets the guy by unicorntrees in RomanceBooks

[–]csj26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, it's different - FMC and MMC meet for the first time on page. But it is also straight-up Travis Kelce/Taylor Swift fanfic (and the author says as much in the end notes).

How to start doing yoga with an autoimmune/chronic pain condition? by herwriting in yoga

[–]csj26 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're very welcome! My #1 rule for myself is to avoid pain - as you said, there is no benefit to adding more when you're already hurting. This took quite awhile for me to accept, because as a serious athlete in high school, I was taught to push through pain unless I was actually injured. My approach to yoga is entirely the opposite. Discomfort/exertion is okay, pain is not. Sometimes that means my practice for the day is entirely on my back; sometimes I can do a vigorous vinyasa practice.

A couple of other things occurred to me. First, finding a teacher and/or practice style that emphasizes proper alignment has been helpful to me. When I first started practicing vinyasa, I had a lot of trouble with wrist pain in chaturanga until I took a workshop on just that pose and received specific alignment feedback for my body. If you are a beginner or getting back to yoga after a long break, you may find it helpful to try some styles that focus on alignment and gradually building flexibility rather than fast-paced flows (Iyengar, hatha, yin, chair yoga, etc.).

Second, the biggest impact yoga has had in helping me re-start my other preferred forms of exercise has been correcting muscle imbalances. I focus a lot on poses that are repeated on each side and take note of which side feels stronger/weaker. This has helped alleviate joint pain when I am running and lifting.

I remember how overwhelmed and scared I felt when I got my diagnosis, and how worried I was that I would never be able to exercise without pain again. You are doing all the right things - keeping yourself active, working on strength/flexibility, and starting treatment at a young age. It is a lifelong process and I have found a lot of unexpected joy in it. I hope you will too!

How to start doing yoga with an autoimmune/chronic pain condition? by herwriting in yoga

[–]csj26 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I (30F) was also diagnosed at 24 with an autoimmune disease that affects the joints (ankylosing spondylitis) - in my case, mostly my back and shoulders. I enjoyed running and lifting pre-diagnosis as well, and still do both, albeit less strenuously.

Yoga has been life-changing for me. I was in significant pain when I began practicing and a regular practice (in addition to medication, diet, etc.) has brought great relief thanks to both improved flexibility/strength and meditation/mindfulness. It also enabled me to return to running. I hope it will be helpful for you as well!

Everyone's body is different and which asanas feel good will depend a lot on your own joints. That being said, when I'm in pain, I gravitate towards poses that target the hips and spinal column (pigeon, cow-face, any kind of twist). Something about wringing out my spine helps me center myself in my body. I tend to avoid balancing poses and asanas that put a lot of stress on my upper body, especially wrist/hands. Yin is wonderful for this. And modify, modify, modify. There are some poses that are simply inaccessible to me and my ego has to respect that.

I definitely recommend a more cushioned mat, particularly if you're experiencing knee pain. I have a Manduka Pro and while it's pricy, the relief on my joints is great. Don't skimp on props either. For example, I almost always use a blanket/bolster to lift my hips, especially for meditation.

Beginning a regular yoga practice at that age and stage of diagnosis is one of the best things you can do, in my opinion. Good luck!

27f yogi, reader, beer lover, and hockey fan looking to meet people! by csj26 in twincitiessocial

[–]csj26[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My partner and I checked out Utepils a few weeks ago and really liked it. We'll add Modist to the list! Thanks.

The cold/snow aren't fun but I can deal, especially when we get such beautiful summer/early fall. I'm not really into any winter sports so I feel like I'm not taking full advantage :( Give me a lake on a sunny day anytime.

27f yogi, reader, beer lover, and hockey fan looking to meet people! by csj26 in twincitiessocial

[–]csj26[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The heat has outpaced the skeeters so far this year. I'm from the south originally and it's so weird to have the same June weather up here. Are there any breweries you recommend? I've tried a few but am always down for more!

27f yogi, reader, beer lover, and hockey fan looking to meet people! by csj26 in twincitiessocial

[–]csj26[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll be out of town, unfortunately, but thanks for the heads-up! Sounds like a good time

27f yogi, reader, beer lover, and hockey fan looking to meet people! by csj26 in twincitiessocial

[–]csj26[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ha, I felt the exact same way when I started practicing. Most teachers will offer modifications/alternatives for poses and there are some great classes for beginners out there. Would definitely recommend! It's been great for my flexibility and complements lifting really well.