Table 1

Schedule for the 12-week yoga (90 min) and mindfulness-based lifestyle intervention (30 min) (total 120 min)

WeekBehavioral Lifestyle Discussion (30 mins) Guided Yoga (70 min)Breathing/ Guided Meditation / Journaling (20 mins)
#1Welcome; introduction (team, participants and ashtanga yoga), emphasized the importance of ego release, avoiding comparison and goal settingPractice: Loving kindnessSquare / loving kindness metta led / draw a flower [rocks-obstacles; roots-support system; stem-what/who nurtures you; leaves-strengths/ achievements; pedals-gratitude 
Mantra: I am enough
Focus: Chest openers
Centering, Stretches and Poses: Supine position, sitting exercises, vinyasa, standing exercises, floor exercises (i.e. Wind Relieving, Hamstring Stretches, Figure 4, Cat-Cow, Child’s Pose, Cactus Arms, Lateral Stretches, Backbends, Balancing, Reclined stretches and Savasana) (corpse/resting) (repeated every class)
#2Mindful eating and physical activity with sensory engagementPractice: TruthfulnessAlternate nostril / zen / write Three personal positive affirmations
Mantra: I speak the truth
Focus: Throat openers 
Centering/ stretches and poses
#3Addressing self-limiting beliefs (SLBs), the impact of stress on overall healthPractice: AbundanceSquare / Body and Breath / Draft a letter/ song/ poem to your 30-year-old
Mantra: I make space
Focus: Hip opener
Centering/ stretches and poses
#4Strategies for SLBs (cognitive reframing, positive self-talk), small success celebrationpractice: ModerationSquare / peace / write down your daily self-care practice into the daily routine
Mantra: I respect
Focus: Spinal movement
Centering/ stretches and poses
#5Discussion on balanced diet, dietary guidelines and cultural food substitutionsPractice: Art of letting goSquare / release / stone activity – creating graphics, images or inspirational text of what you wish to achieve to create a focal point
Mantra: I release clutter
Focus: Backbends
Centering/ stretches and poses
#6Stress management, habit nurturing, sympathetic vs parasympathetic nervous systems, parasympathetic activationPractice: CleanlinessAlternate nostril / Sa-Ta-Na-Ma / list three habits you are nurturing in your life to become your highest self
Mantra: I give grace
Focus: Seated twists
Centering/ stretches and poses
#7Sleep hygiene, mindful sleep practicesPractice: ConcentrationSquare / apple
Mantra: I focus onWrite down Three clutters (physical/mental) you wish to remove to become your highest self
Focus: Balancing
Centering/ stretches and poses
#8Conducted focus groups to evaluate the impact of study interventionsPractice: Elimination of impuritiesBumble bee / gazing
Mantra: I release toxic thoughtsDefine who I am becoming (releasing old narratives that no longer serve you in a positive way)
Focus: Standing twists
Centering/ stretches and poses
#9South Asian diet awareness, cultural relevancePractice: DevotionSquare / gayatri mantra
Mantra: I am gratefulDefine how heartbreaks have helped you discover your tribe
Focus: Moon sun salutation
Centering/ stretches and poses
#10Discussed mindfulness integration in everything, focused breathing for nervous system balancePractice: SurrenderBumble bee / ocean waves
Mantra: I releaseWrite a note to someone you offer forgiveness
Focus: Inversions
Centering/ stretches and poses
#11Talked about practicing a yogic lifestyle with equanimity and how it relates to practicing mindfulness in daily lifePractice: Equanimity with stressUjjayi / thich nhat hanh
Mantra: I knowAcknowledge “I” am, feel, can, love and know statements. List how you serve yourself
Focus: Moon salutation
Centering/ stretches and poses
#12Concluded the session by summarizing the important points from each session and encouraged participants to continue the practicePractice: ContentmentSitali / silence
Mantra: I feelAcknowledge how silence feels in your body and mind by practicing such as turning off electrical devices for 1 h daily
Focus: Moon salutation
Centering/ stretches and poses

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