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We’ve all felt the lack of it lately and its manifested itself in each of us in a variety of ways. Lethargic, cranky, pizza delivery obsession, lack of inspiration, sickness and more. We have had Yoga classes all winter to help keep spirits up and its done a pretty good job for us! But what can we do to begin putting our best foot forward now, enliven things and wring out what is holding us back?
We’ve got options and I personally need to use them just as much as I preach them!
- Continue going to Yoga classes 😉 (You can find my classes here.) You can find some other awesome teachers in town as well. Just google "yoga near me".
- Get up 10 minutes earlier go sit in front of an open window. Be still and observe all the beautiful things or perhaps work on a breathing practice. Just take a moment to appreciate all the things that you don’t normally notice when you’re in a rush.
- Skip Netflix in the evening so you can sit down with a notepad and list house projects, art, books or anything fun you let slip away in the winter time. Pick a simple one and get to work!
- Set aside 20 mins to drop everything and do a short heart opening/twist filled flow to help shed the crud of winter and shine the light of summer! (VIDEOS COMING SOON)
- Go to the park. Sit on a swing and enjoy the heck out of it.
- When the sun peaks through the clouds STOP EVERYTHING, go outside to stand it in. Shut your eyes, reach your arms out wide and soak it in. ALL of it.
Winter has had its beauty but we’ve also had a LOT more rain and snow this year.
Now that things are looking a little brighter and a littler warmer, its time to lift the gaze and set your eyes on a new goal.
It doesn’t have to be huge! Maybe start with wiping those annoying water spots off the bathroom mirror. Just a few minutes here and there. Pick things up and make room for something new that helps you take a step forward.
Get happy and stay happy my friends :)
Sometimes our intestines can do a number on us. Or rather they get upset when we eat/drink whatever we want ;) Even if you’re feeling great, adding some spinal twists into your day isn’t a bad idea. To put it simply, twisty/stretchy yoga poses can help massage your internal organs. If something is cramped up, this just might bring you some relief!
I’ve put together a few yoga poses to help you find full mobility again. A flow that enlivens and uplifts your day by wringing out the bubbles and the tightness.
Start Slow – Spinal Twist
Lay on your back and hug your knees into your chest. Then drop your knees over to one side. (Repeat on both sides)
When you feel that tight spot, don’t push it. Try to get your body to relax and just breath to get any initial crampy areas to release. Maybe its your foot that is tense, maybe its your six-pack abs. ;) Just let your body get heavier and breathe.
Stretch it Out – Puppy Dog Pose
From table top (on your hands and knees) walk your hands forward and slowly lower your chest towards the ground. You can choose to land your chin or your forehead on the mat. Take the biggest slowest breaths you possibly can and just pause in this pose for at least a minute.
You can feel free to do whatever you’d like in between these poses! A little cat/cow…down dog…a vinyasa, you name it!
Building the Fire – Lunge Twist
Step left foot back and drop your knee down to the ground (or blanket). Keep the steady breath going as you clasp your hands together behind your head. Lift your chest and the crown of your head upwards, then twist towards the right. Keep breathing in and lifting up. As you exhale, twist a little deeper. (Notice that my knee does not go past the ankle.)
Loosening Up - Lunge Stretch
Staying in low lunge (option to lift the back knee up). With your right foot forward, bring your right hand down to the ground, a block or even a book works! We're just working at a gentle stretch in the left side to loosen things up a little more before some final twists. Repeat on both sides and try to prevent the hips from sinking down too much.
Initiate Cooldown – Table Top Twist
Start from hands and knees. Press the left hand down and reach the right arm up. Pause for two breaths. Repeat on both sides as many times as you'd like <3
Total Relaxation – Childs Pose
Have your hands out front and add a side stretch in by walking your hands over to the left and pausing for a bit. Then walk your hands to the right! Feel free to skip this pose if your body does not love it. Your knees and hips should not be uncomfortable. :)
Hopefully your body is feeling a little better at this point and you've got a little more pep to your step! Stay tuned for an upcoming video on a twist yoga flow.
Cheers friends and enjoy your weekend!
-Chantal Barton - Beer Yogi + Instructor