Everyone deals with stressors at some point in their lives, whether it be emotional, physical or mental. For Dr. Somnath Naik, a physician who has worked and lived in Lumberton since 1982, stress presented itself in an unexpected way following his wife’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

A self-described generally relaxed person, Naik found himself stressed emotionally as he dealt with the challenges caring for his wife of 40 years presented.

“There is a tremendous amount of stress on families,” said Naik, who practices pulmonology and sleep medicine at Southeastern Health’s Southeastern Medical Specialists clinic in Lumberton. “There is both emotional and physical stress that you go through.”

Coping with the stress in his life took an interesting turn when Naik’s daughter encouraged him to attend a yoga class.

“My daughter invited me to attend a few classes with her where she lives in Nashville,” he said. One year later, Naik’s interest in yoga has grown to a one-hour commitment three times each week at the Southeastern Lifestyle Fitness Center in Lumberton.

“Yoga changed my life,” he said. “It helped me with what I am going through emotionally and it helped me pay closer attention to my own body — I started to respect and love my body more. I could also see physical benefits such as growing stronger as well as eliminating some back pain I was having.”

While Naik says he enjoys all aspects of his yoga classes, he particularly enjoys the relaxation and meditation aspects.

“The classes are enjoyable, refreshing and motivational,” he said. “It helps with better concentration and breathing cycle. Your mind, body and soul become linked together.”

For anyone looking for a way to relieve stress, Naik suggests attending a yoga class to get the full experience with a group of peers as well as a live instructor.

“Once your body adjusts to the class, you will automatically know the importance, the euphoria, the happiness that it brings,” he said.

Southeastern Lifestyle Fitness Center in Lumberton offers yoga classes by certified instructions. For information, call 910-738-5433.

Somnath Naik
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_Naik.jpgSomnath Naik

Dr. Somnath Naik, far left, follows the directions of his yoga instructor, Kathy Rhodes, far right, during at recent class at the Southeastern Lifestyle Fitness Center in Lumberton.
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_Naik_rev.jpgDr. Somnath Naik, far left, follows the directions of his yoga instructor, Kathy Rhodes, far right, during at recent class at the Southeastern Lifestyle Fitness Center in Lumberton. Courtesy photo

Amanda Crabtree Contributing columnist
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/web1_Amanda-Crabtree.jpgAmanda Crabtree Contributing columnist Courtesy photo
Doctor turns to yoga after wife’s diagnosis

By Amanda Crabtree

Amanda Crabtree is the public relations coordinator for Southeastern Health.