“We can look at fertility, we can look at cognition, memory, the nervous system, sleep, really there’s not a single system of the body that yoga and meditation don’t have have evidence to support for helping you function.” Ann Swanson has written the book on the science of yoga. Literally. After dealing with chronic pain and anxiety throughout her life, Ann tried yoga and meditation. Reluctant at first, once she started seeing real improvements, she went all in - and today, Ann’s published two books that map out the hard evidence on the profound impacts these practices can have on our health and well-being.

In her books Meditation for the Real World and Science of Yoga, Ann breaks down how these practices can improve nearly every aspect of our health, and how anyone can build them into their day - without a complete lifestyle overhaul.

It's January, the time of year when everyone hits the ground running. We're setting goals, building new habits, and pushing to start the year off strong. But all that momentum can come with a price. Stress, burnout, and routines that just don't stick.

If you're feeling the pressure, you're not alone. So, in this episode, Ann explains how yoga and meditation helped her overcome her significant health challenges, and how they can help you too. She has dedicated her career to helping people harness the power of mindfulness, movement and the mind-body connection in tiny, manageable steps. No need for incense, chanting, or intense, lengthy, cross-legged sessions.

It's the New Year's episode you need. We've got 30-second yoga moves, one-minute meditations, and the small, sustainable habits that can make all the difference.

About Ann Swanson
Ann Swanson teaches meditation to busy people with busy minds. She is the author of the bestselling book SCIENCE OF YOGA, which has been translated into over 15 languages. Her new book, Meditation for the Real World, illuminates the fascinating science behind meditation with step-by-step practices to help you find peace in everyday life. However, Ann wasn’t a naturally “chill person,” and meditation didn’t come easy to her. Overcoming chronic pain and anxiety led her to India to study yoga, to China to explore tai chi, into the cadaver lab to teach anatomy, to night school to become a licensed massage therapist, and, ultimately, to earn a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy. Ann blends cutting-edge research with ancient wisdom, resulting in realistic techniques you won’t just learn – you’ll love to live by!

 Connect with Ann
Ann Swanson website
Science of Yoga (2nd addition available)
Meditation for the Real World and the Meditation Challenge

About The Breakout
The Breakout is the hit podcast hosted by human resources and change experts Dr. Keri Ohlrich and Kelly Guenther. The founders of Abbracci Group, a results-driven coaching, HR Management and consulting firm, Keri and Kelly are laser-focused on getting the best out of people. They launched The Breakout in early 2023 to find the best stories and advice on busting boundaries and making change, and since then the show has charted #1 in self-improvement, #1 in education, and #7 in all podcasts.

Join Keri and Kelly on The Breakout as they get advice and insights from change experts, and learn from people who have really done it how you can dive into personal growth, increase self confidence, and move your life into bold new territory.

Each episode comes with lessons on living courageously, with topics on self-help, leadership, personal development, personal boundaries, growing your confidence, overcoming self doubt, and knowing your worth. From huge transformations to quiet shifts, The Breakout highlights why every change matters.

At Abbracci Group, Keri and Kelly offer a four-step coaching process to help you increase your self-awareness, break out of expectations, and live life on your terms.  Learn more at abbraccigroup.com.

Keri and Kelly’s new book Whatever the Hell You Want – An Escape Plan to Break Out of Life’s Little Boxes and Live Free From Expectations is available now! Dr. Keri Ohlrich’s book The Way of the HR Warrior is also available now.

Connect with Dr. Keri Ohlrich and Kelly Guenther
Instagram: thebreakoutpod
Abbracci Group website
The Breakout on Facebook
Abbracci Group on LinkedIn
The Breakout on YouTube