According to Psychologytoday.com, an estimated 80 to 90 percent of people’s visits to the doctor involve stress-related illnesses or complaints. It is scientifically proven that exercise helps towards reducing stress levels but there is a debate about what types of exercise are best to relieve stress.
Many suggest that yoga is a powerful way to achieve better physical as well as mental health, as it exercises both mind and body. It has become more and more popular over the years, so much so that people have re-invented it.
Eleni Xristakoudi, 32, is one of the people redefining this ancient form of exercise, which relies on flexibility, breathing and posture. A former schoolteacher, she now teaches Kundalini yoga, which involves breathing exercises, chanting, singing and repetitive poses or as Eleni says, “a way to change the old patterns of stress responses”.
Eleni started learning about Kundalini in her homeland of Greece. She moved to the UK in 2012 where she started practising Kundalini yoga and found it had positive outcomes in ways she never imagined.
“Amongst the many benefits I have experienced, my stress levels have gone down, I feel stronger than ever, and it's made me appreciate my relationship with myself and others…It is a blessing and a huge joy to be passing on the gift of Kundalini Global.”
Eleni decided to teach and started free lessons for online viewers in 2019. In the last five months she has been able to gain a small income as she‘s gained more clientele and people are more than happy to pay.
Vasileia Chatzaki, 35, is one of Eleni’s students who has also experienced the benefits of Kundalini Yoga and is a regular in Eleni’s online classes.
“Eleni is a great teacher, very thoughtful and always gives alternatives for the poses, so all body types and shapes feel included. What I love the most is that she encourages us, the students, to listen to our bodies, its needs and energy levels at every class,” she says.
Eleni “emphasises being present with our breath and respecting where our body wants to take us that day”.
Vasileia had never heard of Kundalini Yoga before and said she felt self-conscious at the beginning, but she mentioned Eleni’s guidance and calm energy helped a lot and she felt at ease very quickly.
“The fact that every Kundalini Global class has a different intention feels very refreshing. I find the breathing extremely helpful to deal with my anxieties and overthinking mind, bringing me back to the present. I am so grateful for finding the Kundalini Global practice and looking forward to our next classes”
Stella Stathi, 35, yoga teacher and former eating disorder therapist, also enjoys Eleni’s classes. “If I were to describe Eleni’s teaching style, I’d say it is a unique combination between sacred, deep and prayer-full, and really fun, relaxed and playful -and I believe this ‘marriage’ is really needed in the world of yoga!”
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