Yoga

I'm a clinically depressed, overly-intense, bipolar nut job. I'm a disaster! But, I'm also a Yogi--no, not like the cartoon bear--I practice Yoga regularly.

And, you should too! It's not just cliché, it really does calm you down, at least for a little while.

New research supports two of the claims surrounding Yoga's health benefits: improving mood and decreasing lower back pain.

Stretching is usually done in one of three ways: 1 - In a Yoga session, where it is performed with precision and purpose; 2 - Before and/or after a workout, when it is done as more of an afterthought; or 3 - Not at all. Save for the first way mentioned, stretching is something most people kind of do (or don't do) because they think they're supposed to. It loosens you up before exercising and it helps ease muscle tension caused by a workout. But does it really do those things?