We can all agree that things are a bit chaotic right now. But that doesn’t mean our home has to be. Our personal space should be something that we can come back to after a crazy day and feel comfortable and secure. With everything else going on in the world, our home should be a sanctuary; a place of peace.
In the science of yoga, one way we’re taught to be present in the moment is to use all five senses. This is a type of mindfulness training that allows you to connect with your body and hone in on what you are feeling in the moment.
Mindfulness is a practice of being a more keen observer. Creating a peaceful and comforting environment at home allows you to more easily access a space of mindfulness —one that is specifically designed to help us live a more calm life, even amidst the chaos.
“The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past.” — Marie Kondo
With many of us working from home right now, our physical surroundings can be a distraction. For me, when I see things out of place or things that I don’t like, I unconsciously add it to my mental to-do list of things that need to be taken care of. Here are a few ways to use sight to help you relax at home.
Colors have a bigger effect on our mental health than we think. Not only can it be more enjoyable to be surrounded by colors that we like (like blue or gray for me!), colors can also play a role in our moods. Blue is said to have calming effects. Green is comforting. Pink is relaxing.
By utilizing these colors throughout your home, especially in places like the bedroom and living room, you can can create the foundation for restfulness.
Clutter in our physical surroundings can impact our mental wellbeing. As an avid reader of The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, I might be biased in this belief, but as my mom always said: a cluttered kitchen is a clutter mind. Instead of leaving the dishes out to handle at another time or piling up books and other items around the house, fill your space with things that make you feel happy. Everything else can be put away for another day.
“Clutter is caused by a failure to return things to where they belong. Therefore, storage should reduce the effort needed to put things away, not the effort needed to get them out.” – Marie Kondo
Sometimes, too much or not enough sound can be disorienting. Setting the mood with the right soundtrack is one of the most time-honored traditions of any host and is a key component of the practice of learning how to relax at home.
We all have a soundtrack that helps us feel like our highest self. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, music is one thing that can help put you right back on the path to contentment. Change your mood by changing your playlist and feel yourself start to relax.
We are all hyper connected to the world around us. And while that can be a good thing for productivity and social interactions, there’s also a point where it can become too much. By creating a specific space in your home for meditation, whether it’s a room or just a small corner, you can give yourself the mind space to unwind and disconnect. This space needs to be quiet, away from distractions, and most importantly: all yours. When you visit this space you are alerting your body that it is time to relax.
In my yoga classes, one of my favorite ways to create a peaceful atmosphere is to light an incense stick (my favorite is Nag Champa). Certain types of incense are said to activate ion channels in our brain that can alleviate anxiety or depression when we smell them. And in a yoga studio, walking in with a fresh mind and heart is nearly impossible. That’s why I like the help of incense. But, there are other options too for your home!
Science has shown that the part of our brain that plays a big role in regulating emotion is connected to our nose, which is why different scents can impact the way we feel. For example, the smell of brewing coffee can help lower stress hormones, without even taking a drink! Other scents that are known to help create a peaceful atmosphere include lavender, citrus, tea tree, and frankincense.
Turns out: This saying your grandpa said is more important than you think! Roses offer a therapeutic smell that is said to help reduce headaches, lower blood pressure, and emit just a feeling of happiness in a home.
Our skin is the largest organ in the body and plays a huge role in our ability to relax at home. When you surround yourself with things that are comfortable and warm, your body will instantly react in the same way.
Progressive relaxation is a technique used by many people struggling with anxiety or an inability to relax. It works by tensing and releasing each body part one by one, starting from the feet all the way to the crown of your head. This works by bringing mindfulness into your body parts and also focusing on releasing tension in places you might not know you’re holding tension in.
Studies show that petting an animal can make someone feel more relaxed and optimistic. Don’t have a pet? Adorn your house with a few “furry” accents, like a throw pillow or cozy blanket. This will automatically make you feel more comfortable in your space.
The best sense, in my opinion. With taste, pretty much anything that puts you in a good mood could be added to this list. For me, that would be Pirates Booty, cold brew, and cookie butter. But, there’s actual science behind some foods that not only make you feel good, but are good for you too.
Dark chocolate isn’t only a tasty treat, it’s proven to help reduce stress and boost brain health. It’s also a rich source of antioxidants and minerals that may help fight disease in the long run, too.
Mangoes are packed full of Vitamin B, which is crucial to maintaining hormonal balance and synthesizing dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Vitamin B can also help our bodies break down things like fats and sugars more efficiently. And if that wasn’t enough, mangoes are also thought to help with sleep!
Make your home a more peaceful place by being mindful about what you bring into it. The more we fill our days and our lives with distraction and outside influences, the less likely we will be to truly relax and let go of the things that are holding us back from our true potential.
“But when we really delve into the reasons for why we can’t let something go, there are only two: an attachment to the past or a fear for the future.” —Marie Kondo
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Stephie's earliest memories of yoga are of standing in shoulder stand with her mom and the Jane Fonda vinyl playing in the background. Stephie's first "official" yoga class did not come until the late '90's when working for a touring children's theatre company. She fell in love all over again. Wanting to share that love, Stephie's journey led her to the east coast and Kripalu center for yoga and health. There, she has completed both 200 and 500 hour teacher training programs and has been given the honor of being named an acharya (teacher of wisdom). She continues to study in the Kripalu and Pranakriya tradition with master-level teacher Yoganand Michael Carroll. Stephie's classes combine her love of fluid movement (vinyasa) and breath work (pranayama) to create a meditation in motion - allowing for inquiry and exploration of one's true self.
“Seek truth, not peace.” -Yoganand Michael Carroll
"The wise proclaim that love is the only path, love is the only God, and love is the only scripture. I am in fact a pilgrim on the path of love.” -Swami Kripalu
Hi, I'm Gaby and a Des Moines native! Since I was young, I was involved in competitive dance and cheerleading. Throughout undergrad and grad school I bounced around to different gyms and workout formats trying to stay active. In the beginning of 2020 I hit a workout plateau and decided to give Power Life a try.. and I'm so glad I did! I was instantly hooked on the fun, sweaty workouts along with the inviting community! You can expect lots of energy, awesome beats, and a challenging workout with me! Outside of Power Life you can find me cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes or New Orleans Saints, enjoying the sunshine, or sipping a margarita!
After one month of crushing a 20 for 30 challenge, Katie was hooked on Power Sculpt. The unique challenge, killer cardio and motivation that she gets from every class keeps her coming back. Outside of work and practicing over the lunch hour, Katie enjoys Iowa Hawkeye games, spending time with her family and dog Norah, and biking the beautiful trails that this wonderful state provides.
I started teaching at Power Life KC in 2015, and haven’t looked back. I am so happy and excited to be in Des Moines teaching! My name is Rachel, and I love bringing an empowering class to my students every time they come to their mats. I cannot wait to see y’all on your mats!
As a former dancer, Jess has always been passionate about staying active. After her freshman year in college she decided to try Power Life as a way to stay in shape. She was immediately hooked! She loves the workouts and community Power Life has to offer. She can't wait to share her passion and practice with you!
I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance at the University of Iowa, a minor in Health Promotion and a 200 hour yoga certification in Hatha yoga. After spending a few years dancing professionally in Colorado, I moved to Omaha to be closer to family. Additionally, I have been working as a massage therapist since 2016. My favorite hobby is to take fitness classes and spend time outside playing with my two dogs, Rufus and Rylee. I love teaching students new ways to be active, so I can't wait to challenge you in my class!
Ally discovered Power Life in Kansas City. It was her first yoga experience and she immediately was hooked from the high energy and challenging workout. Outside of the studio, you can find Ally teaching third grade. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading, and playing with her two dogs. She has upbeat music and wants her students to leave feeling challenged on and off the mat.
Hiya, my name is Renae! I enjoy being outside (hiking, biking, camping, paddle-boarding, etc.) music, adventuring & spending time with my partner & our people. I love that Power Life creates a safe, inclusive, welcoming space and encourages community. I cant wait to sculpt or flow with ya!
I began my yoga journey in 2018 at Tulivesi in Marquette, MI, while receiving my Bachelor's in Psychology. Since May of 2021, I began teaching at Power Life as a 200 Hr RYT. Yoga is a humble-some melting pot for me - uniting mind, body, and spirit - while also connecting me to new friends and opportunities. Off the mat you can find me digging into the metaphysical side of life with a pocket full of crystals, essential oils, and maybe even a Tarot deck.. or 2! In the studio, I offer a space of freedom to be as YOU are to ground, explore, and grow. Come get your flow on with me in a mind-opening and soul-warming class.
I started my yoga journey during the off season for college basketball. It gave me a sense of balance and ignited a passion to continue the practice. When I moved from Denver to Omaha I knew it was time to make the jump to become an instructor. Since then yoga has been my outlet. I could not be more excited to share this passion with fellow yogis both on and off the mat!
Brianna recently graduated from college with her degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. Bri loves spending her extra time running, baking, adventuring and Brunching all over KC. She recently fell in love with Power Life and thought what better way to connect with and energize as many people as she can than by teaching Power Barre classes. Brianna strives to create a Fun, Fit, Fabulous atmosphere through her classes, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
Hi friends! I'm Emily- I'm a yoga/fitness enthusiast, foodie, and an avid reader. I love teaching yoga because it combines so many of the things I love- movement, connections, and people. My favorite things to include in a class are great music, high energy, and the chance to listen to/honor your body. I can't wait to practice with you!
YOU are why I show up onto my mat to teach! First yoga experience, years in, whether I know you or meeting you – you mean something to me, and I appreciate you for making it onto your mat. I hope you’ll experience an energetic challenge (not a scary challenge), one that is safe, fiery, loving and keeps you realizing YOU do hard things! Together we’ll experience multiple options for your body to experience based off what your body needs that practice. Laughs? We’ll absolutely get that in too! I started my practice at Power Life to make friends and find a community - years later my want hasn’t changed, but now I hope you’re a part of it. Come sweat with me in; Power 2’s, Sculpt, Barre or FIT classes.
My yoga practice began in 2017. I was diagnosed with scoliosis and a doctor recommended yoga to help with my pain. I soon realized along with the physical benefits I was also obtaining mental and spiritual benefits as well! I have a natural love for learning and teaching on and off my mat. Off my mat I received my Bachelors in Elementary Education from UMKC and my masters in Teaching English as a Second Language. On my mat I’m certified to teach Power and Hot Yoga. Come take one of my classes for growth mentally and physically and leave with a sense of belonging, empowerment, and peace.
Amy Morrison, E-RYT 500, has been teaching yoga since 2013. She did her first Power Vinyasa teacher training in Costa Rica just to learn something new and ended up falling in love with the practice. Since then, she has done multiple trainings with world-renowned teachers specializing in Vinyasa and meditation. She is a teacher’s teacher as she currently runs the 200-hr teacher training at Power Life. Her classes incorporate intelligent and invigorating sequencing, good music, and calming energy. Amy hopes to help students let go of stress and tension, while building strength and flexibility. Join her for a fun and liberating class!
On a personal note... Amy loves to travel! She is a kid at heart and loves spending most of her free time playing with her two boys, ages 1 and 5. She loves to create new things whether that be working on her clothing line or converting her sprinter van into a tiny home. She loves exploring new places with her family and dog, Frankie, reading books, going to concerts, and painting. Oh, and she loves pizza...
After graduating from Iowa State University, I needed a change in scenery and decided to make the move to Des Moines. Being a part of the Iowa State Track and Field team and being involved in multiple sports my whole life, I was searching for something new and challenging. After a few months of taking classes at Power Life Yoga I was hooked! I fell in love with the intensity Power Sculpt classes bring by incorporating weights into yoga and the encouraging community we are surrounded with. When I'm not at the studio you can find me cooking, biking, or hanging out on the nearest patio with a glass of wine, surrounded by family and friends!
I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2017 and moved to the Des Moines area. I have always loved being active, so I decided to give Power Life a try and fell in love! I love to help others achieve their goals and bring a positive vibe.
Kelli began practicing yoga in her home with an app on her iPad. She wanted more out of her yoga practice, so with encouragement from her husband, tried PLY in 2015. She was immediately hooked by PLY’s positivity, community, and atmosphere. She discovered yoga’s physical and mental benefits. Kelli completed her 200 hour teacher training in 2018. She was inspired to share yoga’s ability to heal and grow physically and mentally with others. Off her mat Kelli is a high school math teacher and coach. She loves spending time with her husband, daughter, and miniature goldendoodle Orly. Going on walks and enjoying summer nights on the deck with a glass of wine are her favorite activities.
Summer had been dedicated to a treadmill-hopping, DVD-led, self-motivated workout routine for years. Not only was it boring, but after having a few babies, it seemed impossible. That’s when she found PLY and it was exactly what she had been looking for-- a versatile practice that is as much about mental and emotional health as it is physical. And while the physical work IS amazing, it’s the community of people that have inspired her to practice and teach.
Off her mat, Summer is a wife, mom, graphic designer, organization junkie, clean freak, knit and crochet enthusiast, and Christmas fanatic.
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Kirk was working 80-hour weeks and wearing his shoulders as earrings when he found yoga in 2005. Forever the competitive athlete, he loved the physicality of yoga. When the spiritual and philosophical side of yoga were exposed to him, Kirk was hooked. Yoga provided him with what other activities couldn’t -- the ability to foster the benefits of practice both on and off of the mat. Yoga was something that Kirk could bring into all aspects of his life.
Kirk knows that yoga can be intimidating, so he crafts a class that is playful and inviting, while still being challenging and safe. His creatively planned classes build strength and flexibility in your body and mind while establishing clarity, giving you more confidence to overcome obstacles in your life, and keeping you injury-free. His classes are themed with a message that is relatable and will inspire you to take it with you off your mat. Kirk has been teaching yoga since 2008 and lead his first teacher training in 2012. Where Kirk truly shines is in coaching, developing and bringing out the best in others.
Kirk enjoys traveling (40+ countries to date!), snowboarding, and cherishes time with his wife and two daughters.
Christen Bakken’s yoga journey began in 1998 in a Bikram studio that provided a safe and secure place to practice. She saw the yoga mat as a place to remember her purpose and a place to play. As she continued her studies and began her journey to teaching in 2006, Christen infused yoga classes with devotion and the yoga mat became a place of personal transformation and healing. Her classes are filled with laughter, song, sweat, and usually heart openers. In 2013, Christen began training yoga teachers. This is the place where she finds the most joy - in community with folks looking to grow and be of greater service in their homes, on their mats, and in the world. Over the years, she has led trainings in Denver, the Midwest, Florida, and now abroad. She has trained in continuing education modules, 200-hour, 300-hour, and 500-hour programs. Beyond the mat, Christen is a passionate adventure seeker - she loves to bike, snowboard, and spend time with her husband and pups. She sees each day as a blessing and hopes to remind all who interact with her of this truth.