| Chronic tension, anxiety and worry can dampen your | | | | breath to be fuller and deeper. |
| enthusiasm for life. Your energy is constricted and you | | | | 3. Cobra Pose. Lie on your abdomen, keep your legs |
| find it difficult to breathe and engage with life. From a | | | | straight and toes together. Rest your forehead to the |
| yogic perspective, to get the most out of life your | | | | mat and rest your hands alongside your chest, palms |
| energy has to flow freely through your body. | | | | face down on the floor. If you have a sore back, rest |
| Stress, frustration and constant worrying block your | | | | your forearms instead on the floor. Breathe in and |
| flow of energy. To boost and improve your energy | | | | gently raise your forehead, nose and chin off the floor |
| you have to expand your chest which enables your | | | | - keep your chest and hips on the floor as you look |
| lungs to fill with more oxygen, which in turn nourishes all | | | | upwards. Slowly, on the next in-breath, lift your head |
| your cells and stimulates your energy. You feel alive | | | | further and raise your chest off the floor. Keep your |
| and quickly get into the swing of life. | | | | buttocks relaxed and stay focused on breathing |
| If you are feeling jaded and below par, practice the | | | | deeply into your heart centre. Slowly lower your body |
| following 5 yoga stretching exercises. They are | | | | back to the floor. Make a pillow with your arms and |
| designed to open your heart and allow you to breathe | | | | rest your cheek on your pillow. |
| more easily and let go of stress. | | | | 4. Standing Twist. Stand with your feet shoulder width |
| As with all exercise, take care to listen and respect | | | | apart and arms straight out to the sides. Gently twist |
| your body. If you have a bad back consult your doctor | | | | from your waist to one side then twist around to the |
| before starting to exercise. | | | | other side. Keep the movement fluid and flowing as |
| 1. Arms Above Head Stretch. Standing in the mountain | | | | you twist from side to side 3 - 5 times. |
| pose, take a deep breath in and gently raise your arms | | | | 5. Supported Bridge. Lie on your back with your knees |
| until they meet above your head. Breathe out and | | | | bent and feet flat on the floor. Keep your arms by |
| keep stretching your arms above your head. Breathe | | | | your side for support. Push up with your bottom, lifting it |
| in and as you breathe out slowly return your arms | | | | off the floor until you go up as high as you comfortably |
| back to your side. Repeat 3 - 5 times. | | | | can. Keep your feet on the floor and take three to five |
| 2. Backwards Bend Stretch. Stand in a gentle mountain | | | | rounds of deep breathing. Slowly lower your body |
| pose. Take a few steady breaths in and out to settle | | | | back to the floor and relax. |
| and calm your mind. Rest your hands on your lower | | | | Spending time practicing these simple yoga stretching |
| back. Breathe in and slowly breathe out as you bend | | | | exercises helps to calm and quiet your mind, releases |
| backwards. Be gentle and slowly return to original | | | | tension, boost your energy and bring a smile to your |
| position. Repeat 3 - 5 times and each time allow your | | | | heart. Enjoy. |