How to Increase Your Inner Core Strength

By Ntathu Allen

What Is Inner Core Strength?

If you do a quick search on Google on "core strength", you will find a lot of resources and exercises to physically strengthen the physical body, particularly your abdominal, lower back and pelvic regions. On a structural level, a strong flexible back, toned belly and supportive pelvic area are crucial in your wish to be healthy and well.

However, from a yogic perspective, your core strength relates to your inner sense of well-being and how strong you feel.

Core strength is a fine balance between integrating your physical, spiritual and emotional needs, so you feel stable, solid and secure inside. Strong enough to rise above any life obstacles and bounce back again. In my life my core strength has been strongly tested as I strove to overcome bereavement, divorce and miscarriage. Each time I have been down, I have had to look at ways to improve my core strength and get back on my feet - especially as I am a working mum.

Five Ways To Improve Your Inner Core Strength

Yoga

A regular yoga practice will help to strengthen your and improved your flexibility. A strong body gives you physical stamina and endurance to manage the complex demands of work and family life.

Sleep

Like most of you, I short change myself on sleep. During times of stress it is essential to get enough sleep. Lack of sleep leaves you feeling tired, exhausted and irritable. When you get a good nights sleep, you wake refreshed, energised and have the energy to get up and go.

Eat Well

Have you heard of the expression "You are what you eat". This is so true, especially when you are feeling low and lack energy. To boost your energy and improve your core strength, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as, avocados are a rich source of vitamins, especially B2, riboflavin, B6, C and E as well as the minerals iron, potassium and manganese. The high vitamin and mineral content in avocados aids with red blood cell regeneration and prevention of anaemia. Anaemia causes fatigue and lowers your ability to deal with stress. Whole grain brown rice is a good source of fiber and vitamins, including B group and minerals (iron, calcium and phosphorous). Rice provides a slow release energy which helps the release of the chemicals serotonin. This helps to boost your energy and has a calming effect on your brain. Brown rice has protein which when combined with other vegetable protein aids tissue growth and repair, which is adversely effected by stress. If you are a snacker and graze through your day, snack on sunflower seeds or oat cakes instead of candy bars and cakes.

Relaxation

Rest and relaxation is essential to help your body heal and repair from the stress and pressure of daily life. Whenever you can, take regular yoga stretch breaks during your day. This helps you to regain your sense of inner peace and reconnects you to your core.
Meditation: Helps you to clear your mind which aids focus and improves decision-making. When your mind is calm and clear, you feel better and more empowered to choose activities which naturally boost and raise your inner core strength.

As you can see, there are a variety of activities you can do to improve your inner core strength. Aim to eat well, rest and relax, meditate and practice yoga are tools readily available to help you support and improve your inner core.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/