Between high-intensity training, balancing multiple clients and the holidays in full-swing, you might need to take extra precautions to avoid burning out. Not only are you feeling the whiplash of adjusting to your clients’ busy holiday schedule, but you’re trying to adjust to your own as well; think holiday staff parties, tempting cocktail hours, and of course, gathering with family and friends. Fortunately, there are ways to offset fatigue and prepare yourself for any stressful or surfacing situations. Enter yoga for tension relief.
Restorative Yoga Poses for Stress Relief
Introducing, restorative yoga – if you’re new to the relaxation scene, we promise you’ll be pleasantly surprised. “In the same way that traditional hatha yoga strengthens your muscles and bones, restorative yoga strengthens and trains your nervous system to prepare you for stressful situations,” says Kayleigh Pleas, a yoga teacher and professional wellness coach in New York City. According to Pleas, there are three essentials to a successful restorative yoga session:
- Relax your body and muscles
- Slowly lengthen and deepen your breath
- Calm your mind
Ready to get started?
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3 Mood-Brightening Poses for a Relaxed Mind & Body
1. Child’s Pose
Kneel on the floor with your knees spread about hip-width apart. Once you’re comfortably positioned, exhale and bend your torso forward between your thighs, lengthening your arms and hands forward. Child’s pose is a resting pose, so stay in this position for anywhere between 60 seconds to a few minutes while breathing deeply (in through the nose and softly out the mouth).
2. Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose
Begin this movement by lying down on your back with your legs up against the wall – for extra support and to take your relaxation even further, rest a bolster directly under the lower back. Relax in this position for up to fifteen minutes, since you’re either on your feet or sitting up right all day, resting your legs up against the wall will help improve the flow of congested pelvic organs and boost blood circulation.
3. Half-Pigeon
Get down on all fours and gently slide your left knee forward towards your left hand. Once you’re comfortably in this position, lower down to your forearms and breathe deeply into the pose. Relax in this position for a few minutes for the best results.
While stress is bound to get the best of us, taking the time to respond to your needs and rest your body has never been more important or encouraged in between a busy schedule and challenging fitness regimen. Looking to incorporate yoga into your clients training plan? Check out our article on the benefits of yoga.
[Image Source: Health and Fitness Travel]
