In Episode 15 of the Arthritis Life Podcast, Paulina Burzynska shares how yoga has benefitted her mind, body and spirit as she has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for the last five years. She also shares insights from teaching yoga classes to other chronic illness warriors.
In this episode, Paulina shares her personal journey of how she discovered the benefits of yoga after her rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. She explains how it can help people manage stress and feel a better sense of peace about themselves and their lives.
Paulina also busts some of the top myths about yoga in this episode.
Paulina Burzynska has been a π βππ’πππ‘πππ π΄ππ‘βπππ‘ππ πππππππ since the age of 18. She has lived with RA for five years, and as a teacher she is dedicated to providing safe, mindful classes for everyone helping them experience the benefits of yoga.
Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. Her passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.
Links Discussed in this episode:
- Paulinaβs Instagram & Chronically Happy Instagram
- Yoga school Paulina went to: Zazyoga
- Flexibility versus hypermobility article
- Free Handout: Cherylβs Master Checklist for Managing RA
- Cherylβs Facebook group: Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips & Positive, Realistic Support
- This episode is brought to you by the Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a comprehensive online education and support program Cheryl created to empower people with the tools to confidently manage their social, emotional and physical life with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Medical disclaimer: All content found on the Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Episode breakdown:
01:00 – How Paulina was introduced to Yoga while living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
05:00 β You donβt necessarily have to modify your yoga routine
07:00 β How yoga can work with your bodyβs central nervous system
12:24 β Practicing yoga involves breath work to help with stress and getting your mind and body into a healing state
15:00 β The mental aspect of yoga brings mindfulness
17:56 β Cheryl shares her experience taking Pauline yoga class
22:00- Yoga is not about the intensity but about the healing aspect
26:16 β How people with RA can modify yoga to help work around painful areas
32:00 β Listen to your intuition about your body
35:00 β Top myths around yoga – βIβm Not flexible enough to do yogaβ
39:00 β You donβt need special equipment to practice yoga
42:00 β Your muscle fibers through physical activity will get weaker or stronger
45:00 β Certain techniques in yoga can help how your body reacts to stressful situations
48:30 β Insecurities that might prevent people from from trying yoga
52:00 β How yoga can support you
I loved this episode. Paulina had great suggestions for using yoga with arthritis. I love hearing stories of success with arthritis using yoga.
Thank you so much Christa!