Certified Bikram hot yoga instructor and Paradise + Vibe co-founder Iana Edwards stumbled into the world of wellness after suffering from her own bouts of depression and ADHD. Today, she's now making it a mission to help others discover the healing properties of the practice not only through classes, but through restorative retreats with her co-creator Kasondra McConnell.

"My journey to wellness began in 2011 during a very difficult time in my life. I was struggling with severe ADD and depression, and I felt like I was losing control of myself. I was looking for a way out of my internal chaos, and that's when I discovered yoga," Edwards shares.

For the yogi, total wellness is not necessarily about trying to fix or change who we are. Rather, it's about recognizing the inherent healthiness of everything in and around us.

"To me, it means 'holism.' It's this idea that everything is connected, and that even our flaws and imperfections can play a role in our overall well-being. So when we take a holistic approach to wellness, we're really looking at the bigger picture of our lives and trying to cultivate balance and harmony in everything we do."

As she always tells her students in class, a coin needs both of its sides. We tapped Edwards to share a few tips that we all could implement on our journey to total wellness. She shares three of her favorites with us below.

"Taking care of our well-being is crucial to leading a fulfilling life," Edwards explains. "However, in our busy lives, we often forget to prioritize fun. So, let's take a moment to incorporate some unique wellness practices into our daily routines that can help us connect with our inner child and bring back enjoyment."

  • Prioritize playtime: Engaging in playful activities such as coloring, skating, watching comedy, singing, dancing, or playing with animals.  Take a break from your busy schedule and dedicate some time to play like you did as kids.
    • Moving your body: It is key to reducing stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline and triggering the release of feel-good hormones like endorphins. Commit to simple exercises like walking, dancing or gentle yoga to promote physical and mental well-being. Remember, even a short walk around the block can have a significant impact on your mood.
      • Create a mindfulness practice: Practicing mindfulness through meditation, deep breathing exercises or yoga can help us feel more joy and peace. So, start your day with a few minutes of a mindfulness practice to help you ground and focus throughout the day.