The holidays have arrived, which means you're probably running around buying gifts, attending parties, and preparing food. 'Tis the season to be jolly, but the busy schedule can increase stress and put a damper on your holiday cheer.
Manage your stress by practicing yoga. Yoga can help turn frustration and impatience into mental clarity and rejuvenation. When stressed you feel fatigued and drained. Yoga can boost your energy and alertness.
To help reduce stress and anxiety, try these four yoga poses. Not only will they help lower tension, but also increase energy levels, moods and sleep patterns.
More: 12 Yoga Poses for Non-Flexible People
Marjaryasana/Bitilasana: Cat/Cow Pose
Begin on all fours with knees aligned directly under your hips and your wrists slightly in front of your shoulders. Start with your head in a neutral position, gazing at the floor. Inhale; round your spine towards the sky and keep your shoulders and knees in position (cat pose).
Allow the head to release down and tuck your chin slightly towards your chest. As you exhale, come back to neutral. Inhale and lift your sitting bones towards the sky as you drop your belly down (cow pose). Lift your head and gaze forward. Exhale and come back to neutral. Repeat 10 to 15 times as you alternate between cow and cat pose. Remember to breathe deeply.
Benefits:
- Cat pose stretches the back torso and neck.
- Cow pose stretches the front torso and neck.
- Both poses lower stress and anxiety and massage the spine and digestive organs.
