Let’s be real. While Christmas is known as ” the most wonderful time of the year,” it is also a time when stress levels soar. Yearly, we find ourselves torn in different directions, trying to make everyone happy. Seeing the parents, the in-laws, your close friends, wrapping gifts, oh wait – buying gifts. Money seems to simply fly out of the window while work is piling up at the desk. And that’s just the run-up to the emotional rollercoaster that is Christmas Eve and Day. Be it granny, auntie, and cousins asking if you have met someone or facing the pleasure of introducing a new partner to the family. So much potential for stress and anxiety. And what’s more, returning to the scene of your childhood during the holidays we often feel like we are reverting to our younger selves! Moodier, tense and more unstable than in our own home. Now more than ever, it is important to make joy and self-care a priority. And what is our Nr.1 self-care tool? Yes, hot chocolate and red wine, I am also looking at you. But today we are trying some easy, gentle yoga for stress relief!
Kick Holiday Stress To The Curb with These Easy Yoga Poses for Holiday Stress Relief:
In addition to building lean muscle and improving our posture, yoga plays a huge part in stress reduction by reducing the body’s level of cortisol, which is the nasty stress hormone that is secreted by our adrenal glands during our bodies’ fight-or-flight responses. You don’t have to be an experienced yogi to get the benefits as stated above. A simple series of yoga-inspired moves can help release so much muscle tension and calm the mind. Here are 5 easy yoga poses for holiday stress relief and instant relaxation during the busiest season. You can do these anywhere (yes, also at your in-laws’ home), anytime. Close your bedroom door, sit on your mat, and take some time for yourself to breathe and be grateful this holiday season. You can do all of these positions as a short sequence or one by one, holding each pose for anywhere between 10 breaths and several minutes.
1. Lotus Pose
You might know this pose from meditation class. Holding your body still in lotus position helps restore energy levels, calms the brain, and increases awareness and attentiveness.
2. Child’s Pose
Child’s Pose, or Balasana, is ideal for relaxation! It’s a great pose to jump into when you’re feeling overwhelmed during the holiday preparations. It will help calm your mind and relieve tension in your lower back and neck.
3. Tree Pose
Vrikasana, or Tree Pose, is an excellent pose for easing stress and anxiety because it requires grounding and concentration. It’s a constructive way to distract yourself while also giving your mind, and body, a challenge.
4. Seated Forward Bend
This calming forward bend helps to relieve stress and reduces fatigue. It stretches your spine, shoulders, and hamstrings and is also known to be therapeutic for high blood pressure and infertility. Do not perform this pose if you have a back injury.
5. Cobra Pose
Bhujangasana, or Cobra Pose, is another great yoga pose for stress relief and anxiety management. During this post, you will stretch the frontal plane of your body which also encourages the functioning of the abdominal organs, stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, and invigorates the kidneys. Perfect for improved digestion during those indulgent holidays.
Relax, Recharge and Restore Your Mind and Body.
Let us all take a couple of minutes to breathe and just be. You’ll see how easy it will be to come back to your friends and family with a genuine smile firmly in place.
More stress-relief ideas:
Self Care Ideas for a Happy Healthy You5 Minute Meditation for Holiday StressAll about Lagom5 Best Adaptogens for Anxiety and Stress Relief
Yoga for Stress Relief – More Information and Resources:
DVD: Rodney Yee’s Yoga for Energy & Stress ReliefFree Yoga Stress Relief Playlist on YouTubeFree Yoga Video for Stress and AnxietyYoga Detox – 8 poses to detox your body
