Yoga Stimulus Package

Want to reduce stress? Then try stimulating yourself! The following routine is a great way to release tension and boost your body and mind!

-Mountain Pose. Begin and end here. Simply stand with your feet together, shoulders relaxed, palms together at the heart, and just breath.

If you want to think of something, then choose pleasant thoughts. Also focus on releasing the small pockets of tension that 'hide' in our eyes and mouth, your neck and shoulders. Just stand, breath and relax for about six breaths.

-Wide-A Standing: Step the legs out (about three to four feet apart), interlock your fingers behind your back, and slowly lean forward, allowing your head to hang down and your arms to lift as high as they can comfortably.

If you want to bend your knees, then bend them. If you want to keep the hands close to the hips, then do that. Just relax, breathe deep, and allow the stretch to happen all by itself. No pushing, no straining, just standing with the legs wide, shoulders open, breathe deep and slow. Try to stay here for six breaths.

-Wide-A Forward Bend with Bat Arms: Release your hands and arms. Step the feet a little closer. Leaning forward, fold the arms, so the hands are resting lightly on the elbows. Breath deep and relax. Let gravity do the rest. Stay here for six breaths.

-Wide Squat: Release the arms and bring the legs a little closer still. Bend the knees and lower the hips into a squat. If you come up on the toes, thats alright. Press the palms together at the heart, or extend the hands forward for balance. Relax deeply, allowing the hips to open. Try to hold this for six breaths.

-Cobra: Slowly drop to the knees and lay on your belly. Inhale deeply and give yourself a full-body stretch, with the hands extended out in front of you. Bring the palms in, beneath the shoulders, and slowly life your chest and chin. The elbows can be bent, but the breath should be deep and slow, so try to hold as long as you can.

-Locust: Slowly lower the chest and chin, and rest for a moment. Make a fist with the hands and place these under the body, in the space where the upper thigh bends, and beneath the lower belly. Place your forehead on the floor and slowly lift your legs off the earth. The gentle pressure from your fists will massage the lower intestinve, and the leg lift will strengthen the lower back. Try to hold this for six breaths. If you cant, do you best, smile softly, and move to the next pose.

-Fish: Roll over to your back and straighten your legs. Bring your hands under your hips, lift your chest - arching - and try to put the back of your head on the floor. Your throat and chest will really be open here, so its a great opportunity to breathe even deeper than you have been. Enjoy this stretch for about six breaths.

-Wind Relieving Pose: Yes .. that kind of wind! Still on your back, arms at your sides, legs together, bend one knee and bring that into your chest. Gently squeeze, holding there, while you breathe six deep and slow breaths. Be sure to do the other leg.

-Leg Elevation: Ahhh .. everyones favorite pose! Up against a wall, butt touching or very close, legs straight up the wall, simpy relax and enjoy the reverse blood flow from the legs. If you have a weak spine or stiff hamstrings, then do this up against the couch, so your knees are bent. Hold here for six breaths. Try not to fall asleep!

-Back to Mountain Pose, where it all began.