The festive season and its customary bustling atmosphere are upon us once again. There are events to organize, gifts to purchase, decorations to complete, meals to plan, and guests to invite.
Amid all these activities, it can be hard to prevent burnout or feeling overwhelmed by stress. That's where the power of yoga comes in. We've put together a selection of yoga poses to help you avoid burnout and stay focused, calm, and grounded in the midst of the festive frenzy.
Stand strong and stay determined with Warrior II
You'll need strength, stamina, and determination for all the heavy lifting you'll do this festive season. With your feet firmly rooted to the ground and your focused gaze, the Warrior II Pose can help you stay grounded physically and mentally. To practice Warrior II:
Begin by standing with your feet hip-distance apart and your arms at your sides, and ensure your heels align.
Turn your right foot out 90 degrees so your toes point to the top of the mat.
Raise your arms to the side to shoulder height so they're parallel to the floor, with your arms aligned directly over your legs.
Bend deeply into your right knee, bringing your front thigh to a 90-degree angle, with your knee directly above your ankle.
Breathe and hold the position for 5-10 seconds.
Switch to the other leg.
Find balance and focus with Tree Pose
As you go about the business of preparing for the holiday season, the yoga Tree Pose can help you to improve stability and balance. To practice Tree Pose:
Plant both feet firmly on the ground with your weight adequately distributed so that you are balanced.
Bend one leg at the knee, choosing the leg you will fold in first, and point the knee of your bent leg outward, away from your body.
Lengthen your posy by raising your arms in a "prayer" position.
Hold this position, then switch legs and repeat.
Stay calm and find inner peace with Child Pose
Child Pose is an easy position to hold, helping you calm your nervous system and find inner peace as you release pent-up stress. By placing your forehead on the floor, you enable your body ground down and relax. To do Child Pose:
Gently come to your knees in a traditional kneeling position.
Bring your hands forward towards the top of your mat and relax your core.
You can align your arms to the side of your body or extend them toward the top of the mat for a longer stretch.
Hold the position for 30 seconds or longer to allow for a deep release of tension throughout your arms, shoulders, back, and thighs.
Relieve tension and stiffness with Downdog Pose
With the Christmas chill creeping into everything in the house, including your bones, you need a way to boost circulation and insulation.
Downdog Pose works to stretch your back to improve circulation, relieving tension and stiffness in the upper body. To practice Downdog Pose:
Crouch on all fours.
Rise onto your toes and lift your hips while pressing your palms into the front of your mat.
Extend your tailbone upwards.
Press your heels back down onto the mat.
Allow your head to drop towards the ground gently.
Hold the position for a minute or longer.
Stay grounded and connected with SHIFT this festive season
With these poses and more you will discover at SHIFT, you can gain balance, relieve tension, stay grounded, and find inner peace as you navigate the festivities. Also, incorporating meditation or affirmation into your routine can elevate the experience. Join us at SHIFT this festive period to energize your body and calm your mind.