Blog — myUTOPIA

Water is a scarce commodity and essential for our health and with water levels being the lowest for 20 years, we all need to do our bit to conserve water. Here are our top five tips for saving water at myUTOPIA.

1. Smarter showers

Coming out of your heated Vinyasa class, it is natural to want to stand under the shower and submerge yourself in water to freshen up. But showers can use a lot of unnecessary water. Waiting for the water to warm up or letting the tap run while you lather up is literally throwing water down the drain. Instead, keep your showers short and turn the taps off while you lather up.

2. Dry Shampoo

If you’ve stopped by for a yoga class after having a fresh ‘do, instead of washing your hair in the shower use dry shampoo. This miracle product soaks up any excess oil and grease in your hair giving it a cleaner appearance and it will mean that you can go one more day without washing your tresses.

3. Equalise your electrolytes

With the hotter weather creeping ever closer, it is important to keep your electrolyte levels balances. Drinking lots of water may be the natural reaction but sometimes your body simply doesn’t retain the hydration. Ensure that your electrolyte levels are sufficient to stay hydrated by eating enough complex carbohydrates and sufficient amounts of sodium. In saying that, too much sodium can cause dehydration, meaning that you’ll need more water to keep hydrated. Remember, life is all about balance.

4. Wait on the washing

We all have our favourite pair of yoga pants that we wish we could workout in every time. Wait until you have a full load before washing your workout clothes. This is not only a water-saver but will also save your electricity bill too.

5. Report it

If you hear a drip or leak anywhere in our studios, please notify reception immediately.

Share your water saving tips on social media using the #WaterWarriors hashtag and tagging @myutopia_sa.

by Zo Hoka Dashati

Legend has it that in days of old, Shiatsu practitioners were not paid if a patient became ill; patient and practitioner worked together to prevent illness and disease in the body.

These days it is our habit to seek out health solutions only once symptoms arise and we are unable to function optimally in our lives.

So while many depend on regular Shiatsu sessions as a preventative measure to maintain health and wellbeing, it is often sought out for its remedial effects for both acute and chronic conditions. No matter what the impulse to receive Shiatsu, the overall sense after a session is one of relaxation, calm and expansiveness in the body and mind.

Received fully-clothed, Shiatsu is non-invasive massage technique working along meridians (energy lines) and acupressure points in the body to facilitate balance and support the body's self-healing capacities, therefore is used in the treatment of a wide range of musculoskeletal, internal and emotional conditions. It can reduce muscle stiffness, stimulate the skin, aid digestion and influence the nervous system. Shiatsu is used to treat a wide range of chronic conditions, such as backaches, including lower back ache, neck and joint pain, frozen shoulder, sciatica, headaches, PMS, digestive disorders, fatigue, insomnia, stress, anxiety... the list goes on.

The effect may be stimulating and invigorating or calming and sedative.

Expect to leave your session feeling grounded, peaceful and more at ease in your body - a supreme version of yourself.

You can visit Zo for Shiatsu in the Restore room every Wednesday.