Restorative Yoga = The Perfect Antidote to the Holidays

Image via theweblicist.com

_During these holidays, think about what’s most important to you. That might be your loved ones, or a loved one, whether that’s a spouse or friends or kids or parents... It might be your work — what you create and are passionate about. It might be something else. Focus on that during these holidays, and remember that the rest is just noise. It’s not important. Fully experience what’s important to you, and let the rest fade away. -Leo Babauta.

_ This past weekend, I taught a restorative yoga workshop at Tranquil Space Arlington. One of the first things that I noticed as people came into the studio and gathered up their props? How much everyone seemed to need this workshop. People looked tired, bedraggled, overwhelmed, and some even said as much to me--one student said she had signed up months in advance and had been looking forward to it ever since. And you know what? I totally understand. I've been running myself ragged since Thanksgiving and will continue to do so until after Christmas, and I do this to myself every year. Why, oh why, do we feel the need to make the holidays so crazy? Why can't we put a stop to this madness?

My hunch is that it's because all of the things that go on during the holidays are usually good, happy, fun things, and we just can't say no. How do you say no to all of the holiday parties and events (they're so fun, and festive, and you "need" to go for one reason or another)? How do you say no to getting presents for everyone you care about? You can't, right? That's usually my answer--"I can't say no!" But there are little ways that we can ease up the stress and make the holidays a bit calmer. Maybe by saying no to one event, no matter how many reasons you have that you need to go, and instead, curling up on the couch with a good book. Or by putting on your PJs, making a cup of tea, and sitting down to do the rest of your shopping online--or by making cookies for people instead of buying elaborate gifts. Another one of my favorite ways to make things a bit easier? Lots of sleep and lots of yoga. And especially restorative yoga.

So today I wanted to share 3 of my favorite restorative yoga poses. My #1 favorite pose is Legs-Up-the-Wall, but since I already shared that one a few months ago, I'll pick some new ones this time around :) I think that if you come into even just one of these poses each day for the next few weeks, you'll find that you're able to handle the holidays with just a bit more ease...

Pose #1: Mountain Brook Pose. For this pose, your body ripples over the props just like a mountain brook over stones (thus, the name of the pose). You can see where the props should be placed in the image below, but I recommend a little less propping under the upper back if you're new to the pose. Blankets are usually best for underneath the neck and upper back, and if you have one, a bolster is sublime under the knees. Add an eye pillow and some relaxing music, and you're there :) Hold for 1-5 minutes (longer if you're really open in the spine and it feels amazing). Just a note, you want the tops of the shoulders to come down and graze the floor between the upper back prop and neck roll.

Image via bgbllc.wordpress.com

Pose #2: Reclining Bound Angle Pose. A great restorative hip-opener. For this pose, I recommend placing a bolster or cushion underneath the spine (when seated upright, bring the bolster to the base of the spine and then lie back onto it) and a blanket on top of the bolster as a pillow for the head. For the hip-opener, use a blanket rolled up like a noodle, and then place the blanket over the feet (soles of the feet together, knees out wide) and then tuck the ends under the calves/ankles to support the legs. Hopefully, you can see all of this in the image below. Then again, add your relaxing accessories of choice, and breathe. Hold anywhere from 1-2 minutes, up to 15 or 20. Yum :)

Image via yogaminded.com

Pose #3: Supported Twist. A pretty straightforward pose--just sit on your side, stacking your legs one on top of another, and bring a bolster (blanket stacked on top is optional) to the base of your hips/leg. Bring hands to either side of the bolster, so that you're centering your chest/torso right over the bolster, and then lower down. You can turn your head so that your gaze faces your knees, as in the image below, or, for a deeper twist, look away from the legs (but be mindful of the neck!). I recommend placing another blanket between the knees, as well. Hold for 2-5 minutes, and then switch sides.

Image via yogawithkatrina.com

Try one of these poses each day and I promise, you won't be disappointed. The key to being in these poses? Stay with the breath. Work to let everything go and every time that your mind wanders to your holiday to-do list or gift list, just bring it back to the breath, back to the body. It's a challenge, but wow, is it amazing to just let go for a little bit.

So take care of yourself this holiday season! And a BIG thanks to all who joined me for my workshops and art show this past weekend :)

Namaste,
Mary Catherine