By Paige Leigh Reist┃Posted: February 21, 2019

There is so much conflicting information out there about the best ways to be healthy and happy. Wellness is one of the most popular industries of the modern age, which means that there’s always a constant influx of new research, new exploration, and new perspectives on what it means to flourish as a human being. But even through the waterfall of new and sometimes confusing information, a few things stand up true: yoga, meditation, and a plant-based diet can do wonders for you.

This week’s Wellness Roundup is all about getting back to the basics: from ancient yogic philosophy to simple, healing yoga poses that will help you live from the heart, these posts from around the web are great reminders that the practice of wellness can be simple, fulfilling, and fun.

Saucha-Niyama: 5 Age Old Ways to Deep Detox Your Body and Mind Every Day

Sejal Shah for Art of Living

This entry in a series on the classic Yamas and Niyamas, or basic principles of yoga, focuses on Saucha-Niyama, or the practice of chasing purity. This means taking care of both your body and mind, simplifying your life, and working to remove negative influences on both the physical and spiritual level. These five methods of cleansing can help you on that journey:

• Shatkarma, or 6 yogic practices of purification
• Solitude
• A compassion walk
• Minimalism
• Breath and meditation

5 Poses That’ll Inspire You to Live From Your Heart

Sarah Ezrin for Yoga Journal

When was the last time you trusted your intuition? These yoga poses recommended by Sarah Ezrin encourage us to reconnect with our hearts for a more fulfilled and authentic version of ourselves:

• Chapasana (sugarcane pose)
• Parsvottanasana (intense side stretch pose)
• Camatkarasana (wild thing pose)
• Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (bridge pose)
• Purvottanasana (upward plank pose)

Click through to read on how each of these poses strengthen and encourage us, reminding us of our strength, capability, and depth.

Is a Plant-Based Diet Good for All of Us?

Katie Wells for Wellness Mama

In this in-depth article, Katie Wells explores the arguments for a personalized, plant-based diet from a scientific and personal perspective, giving thoughtful attention to the myriad of dietary approaches that seek to discover the healthiest way of living.

She concludes that “[I]t’s always good to take an individualized approach to any diet. If you are sensitive to something, don’t eat it just because it’s paleo or vegan or any other criteria. Especially don’t eat it just because you read somewhere online that it is a superfood! Choose foods that are proven healthy and don’t cause you any issues.”

Read on for more information on epigenetics, dairy, meat, and a sensible exploration of wholesome nutrition.

Being Mindful isn’t a “New Age” Thing

Jennifer Pierpont-Johns for Elephant Journal

Many people new to mindfulness and meditation believe that in order to reap the benefits of going within, they need to look or act a certain way, believe in certain spiritual or religious traditions, or lead a certain lifestyle. But that simply isn’t true!

In this article, Jennifer Pierpont-Johns reminds us that “Establishing a practice of mindfulness is for everyone. You don’t need to be a granola-eating, tree-hugging vegan wearing hemp kaftans to benefit from mindful living. It is for all of us.” Click through to read Jennifer’s account of mindfulness in her everyday life.

This week, let the details and preconceptions around yoga, meditation, and healthy living fall away, and allow yourself return to the core of these life-changing practices. You’ll be glad you did!

Have a suggestion for our Weekly Wellness Roundup? Send your article to blog@us.artofliving.org.

Paige Leigh Reist is a writer, editor, blogger, and creative writing instructor.