Stuck in the Holiday Frenzy? Here are Five Poses to Calm & Detox.
The hustle and bustle of life around the holidays can sometimes leave our bodies feeling a little... well, out of sorts! But fear not — your mat is here to save the day. Whether it’s a tasty Thanksgiving meal, a long day at the office, or just the stress of being human, these poses are perfect for detoxing, relaxing, and finding your zen.
Take a deep breath and get ready to unwind with some soothing stretches that’ll have you feeling like your calm, rejuvenated self in no time (bonus points if you manage to sneak in a nap at the end)!
Child’s Pose (Balasana)
This gentle forward fold helps release tension in the lower back, promotes relaxation, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body.
How to Do It: Kneel on the floor, bring your big toes together, and separate your knees. Lower your torso between your thighs and stretch your arms forward, resting your forehead on the mat. Breathe deeply.
2. Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)
This restorative pose helps calm the nervous system and promotes a state of relaxation while gently opening the hips and aiding digestion.
How to Do It: Lie on your back, bring the soles of your feet together, and let your knees fall open to the sides. Place your hands on your belly or by your sides and breathe deeply.
3. Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)
This gentle movement between cat and cow poses helps stimulate blood flow and gently massages the internal organs, improving digestion and relieving tension.
How to Do It: Start on your hands and knees, wrists under shoulders and knees under hips. Inhale to drop your belly (Cow), then exhale to round your spine (Cat). Repeat several times with slow, deep breaths.
4. Seated Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
Twists are excellent for digestion, as they help massage the abdominal organs, aiding in detoxification and reducing bloating.
How to Do It: Sit with your legs extended. Bend your right knee, place your foot outside the left knee, and twist to the right, placing your left elbow on the outside of your right knee. Hold and breathe deeply, then switch sides.
5. Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani)
This gentle inversion helps reduce stress, improve circulation, and allow for deep relaxation, aiding in detoxification and nervous system support.
How to Do It: Sit sideways next to a wall, swing your legs up, and lower your upper body onto the floor. Relax your arms by your sides or place them on your belly, and close your eyes for a few minutes of restorative rest.
Find Calm in our Community
These gentle poses aren’t just about getting your body to feel good; they’re about reminding yourself to pause, breathe, and give your nervous system the TLC it deserves. So whether you're melting into Child’s Pose or simply chilling with your legs up the wall, remember that self-care doesn’t have to be fancy. Sometimes, it’s just about taking it slow, one breath at a time, and feeling a little bit lighter.
Join Us and Elevate Your Practice
Ready to give it a go? We offer a variety of hot yoga classes at our Manchester, Exeter, and Bedford locations. Prefer a little less heat? We got you. Explore our unheated offerings at the newly expanded Manchester studio. However you choose to move is cool with us.