The holiday season is a great time, but stressful too. There are a million deadlines to keep, several guests to host and a list of gifts mounting. Luckily you do not require much to get back to shape. Some key yoga poses will get you there sooner than you ever imagined.
1. Tadasana
This pose induces a state of meditation that enables you to find a balance, thus calming your mind. When practicing it, you Close your eyes and breathe deeply. The pose encourages both mental and physical relaxation. Tadasana is an excellent opportunity to take a breath and set intentions. It also allows you some time of gratitude for your practice.
How to do it: Stand with the feet analogous to each other and almost a hip-distance spaced out. Distribute your body weight equally on the feet. There should be a tiny bend in the knees, which is achieved by engaging the thighs; thus preventing your knee joints from locking. Place your hands together and at the heart core. Finally, shut your eyes and take in five deep breaths.
2. Urdhva hatasana- hands to the sky
The pose enables you to move the stagnant energy that might be weighing you down. It encourages flexibility and openness in your spine, heart center and shoulders.
How to do it: inhale deeply, while reaching your hands towards the sky. Root your feet downwards and extend the fingertips to the air. Spread your fingers wide, and the palms should face each other. Look straight ahead or slightly upwards; if your neck is not overly sensitive. Hold for five deep breaths.
3. Uttanasana- forward fold
This pose helps you relieve anxiety and stress by calming the mind. Often, we carry stress on our shoulder and neck area. The pose thus takes off the tension from this sensitive part, while enabling your entire upper body to relax.
How to do it: exhale and then, with the hips as the pivot, lean forward. You may rest your hands on the floor if they can reach it comfortably. You may also reach for the back of the thighs or opposite elbows with each hand. Release the tension from your neck and allow your upper torso to relax. Close your eyes and hold for five deep breaths.