Spaces and Poses
Interior designer SARA GRAAV uses her skill as a yoga instructor to become more self-aware and calm, and teaches others how
For stress relief, most breathing exercises and asana practices that allow you to focus and deepen your breath will benefit your stress response. I do recommend trying yoga Nidra which is practiced in shavasana (lying down on your back) led by the instructor through a guided meditation.
MEETING DEADLINES, reasoning with unreasonable clients, dealing with rogue contractors, transforming blueprints into beautiful spaces – these are all part of the job for Sara Graav, a senior interior designer at Geyer.
It is exhilarating and rewarding but is also physically and mentally demanding.
Many people with jobs in the built environment sector suffer burnout and stress, and cope in their own ways – often with destructive outcomes.
Lithe, fit and centred, Sara finds that yoga helps in many situations. What started off as a way to keep fit, yoga has turned out to have a deep connection. She spent years mastering the skills, and journeyed to India to become a certified yoga instructor.
Now she teaches yoga, and imparts its positive elements to all. Visit her website for classes. Yoga is not only a fitness thing but is a holistic lifestyle developed centuries ago to benefit physically, mentally and even spiritually.
Sara’s life as a busy interior designer certainly reaps the rewards that yoga offers.
"It is important to note there are many types and styles of yoga out there. Be prepared to try a few different classes to see what style resonates with you, whether it is gentle hatha, restorative or a more dynamic vinyasa style"– SARA has more than 10 years of experience in yoga
The hips serve as a storage facility for stress and emotional tension. This can be caused by our poor posture, sitting most hours of our day or emotional suppression.
1. How long have you been practising yoga?
I’ve been practicing yoga for about 10 years now. It started as a way to stay fit, but it quickly became more than just that.
2. Has yoga helped you in your work as a senior interior designer?
Often as a designer the work you create can become quite personal which builds an attachment between you and your projects. Yoga has taught me to let go of that, the pressure and need for my work to turn out in a certain way and instead surrender to the process.
Yoga has also helped me to become more self aware, acknowledge my weaknesses, strengths and build on what’s important. Entering into those uncomfortable situations with ease and being comfortable with being uncomfortable both in the situation and with myself.
3. Can you give us examples of yoga asanas (postures) for stress, and how often must we do these?
For stress relief, most breathing exercises and asana practices that allow you to focus and deepen your breath will benefit your stress response. I do recommend trying yoga Nidra which is practiced in shavasana (lying down on your back) led by the instructor through a guided meditation. This practice has lots of benefits, however, in terms of stress it slows down mental activities and helps to reduce your sympathetic nervous system while increasing your parasympathetic (relaxation) response. This can be practiced 10 to 25 minutes every day, depending on individual schedule and needs. People also find the practice beneficial once or twice a week.
If you are up for something more physical to cope with your stress I recommend hip opening asanas such as Malasana or Pigeon pose. The hips serve as a storage facility for stress and emotional tension. This can be caused by our poor posture, sitting most hours of our day or emotional suppression. Also inversions and upside down, like Downdog or handstand. These types of asanas improve circulation and stimulate the nervous system. The “upside down” perspective can provide a mental break and shift the focus away from stressors. The frequency and length of your asana practice may vary but generally 3 to 5 times a week for a good effect both mentally and physically.
4. As a qualified instructor what is your advice for someone who wants to start yoga? Do we have to spend tons of money on yoga attire and mats, and so forth?
It is important to note there are many types and styles of yoga out there. Be prepared to try a few different classes to see what style resonates with you, whether it is gentle hatha, restorative or a more dynamic vinyasa style. Additionally, it is not uncommon to feel uncomfortable or stiff following your very first class. After a few sessions you may start to notice changes in your body that will keep you coming back for more. My advice for beginners is to just dive in! You don’t need to break the bank on fancy gear. A basic mat and comfortable clothes are all you really need to start your yoga journey.
5. How do you relax after a hard day of work, and what local food do you enjoy?
After a long day, I love to unwind with some yoga or hit the gym. And when it comes to food, salted egg chicken is my local craving.
Story by Carol Kraal. Photographs courtesy of Sara Graav and www.yogapathwithsara.com