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Each of us has behavior patterns that inform our individual personalities, habits and thought patterns that stem from deep mental impressions. These conditioned ideas and behaviors have a name in Sanskrit: samskaras. While we tend to think of a habit as a bad thing, though not all samskaras are harmful. But if you've noticed that a certain habit—like a daily doughnut indulgence or relying on the television for background noise—is keeping you from truly living well, know that each of us has the power to replace a "bad habit" with a positive one.

In the routine of day-to-day life, from waking to work to home life, it's all too easy to forsake the present moment for the future and its to-do lists. Enter mindfulness, a practice that is useful in any and every environment. Mindfulness is the practice of developing presence in all aspects of our lives, whether we're working, commuting, gardening, cleaning or having dinner with our families. The goal and end result of mindfulness is to be in a constant state of peaceful presence.

It's a common paradox: you've finally got a few moments to yourself to relax or meditate, but your thoughts refuse to be silent. Mind chatter plagues us all, but yoga is here to help. In fact, some say that yoga is the stilling of this mind chatter.

If you've ever really tried to live in the present moment, you know how tough it can be to go with the flow. Adapting to your circumstances and maintaining a positive outlook in any given moment is easier said than done. It's easier to focus on your own limitations, but the instant you do, you step further away from your authentic self and dharma, or unique life purpose. Criticism and self-doubt can be a breeding ground for negative thoughts, multiplying into a whirlwind of destructive "I am not ____ enough" statements. So how do we curb the negative thoughts?

Fear can be an obstacle to healthy and happy living. While some fears are warranted and keep you safe—like standing far enough away from the edge of the subway platform—others are irrational and put needless stress on our bodies and minds. You know that yoga builds physical strength, increases self-awareness and expands respiratory capacity, but think about this: yoga can also help you overcome fear.

Even if yoga is your life, sometimes life gets in the way of taking a class at a studio. When you aren’t able to travel to a yoga class, open up your home and practice to a multimedia class. Practicing with others – even if they are on the other side of a flat screen – keeps you motivated and committed to your routine.

Beginning a meditation practice may seem intimidating, but the long-term benefits can’t be ignored. Experience the benefits yourself by embarking upon your at-home practice today.

Stress relief does not have to involve a big complicated effort or making an appointment with an expert. There are many simple actions that can turn down the volume in your mind in a matter of minutes. Below are some methods that are fast and simple. You can do them by yourself, anytime and (almost) anywhere.

Each time we practice yoga, we begin by setting an intention. In the same way, we can be purposeful about directing your energy throughout your day. Start with these simple steps.

Metta Kindness Practice

The Buddha gave a beautiful teaching on the development of lovingkindness called the Metta Sutta (also known as the Karaniya Metta Sutta). I think it's a perfect practice to follow during the darker, quieter winter months.