| A gentle programme of yoga stress relieving | | | | head is also relaxed. Stay in this pose for 3 - 7 rounds |
| exercises can help you release anxiety, stress and | | | | of gentle breathing. |
| worry at the end of your day. During the day, your | | | | 3. Lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor and |
| body is constantly absorbing and storing tension; you | | | | knees close to your chest. Take your arms out to |
| probably feel this tension in the form of lower back | | | | shoulder level. As you exhale allow your knees to |
| pain, stiff and achy joints and muscular pain in your | | | | gracefully fall to the right side. Turn your head to look |
| shoulders and neck. | | | | along your left arm. Breathe slowly and deeply. Enjoy |
| To help release sluggishness, fatigue and tension a | | | | the feeling. Stay for 5 - 10 rounds of steady breathing. |
| few rounds of gentle yoga stretches can help you feel | | | | Return your knees and head to the centre. Rest and |
| more alive, fresher and clearer in your head. Yoga | | | | repeat on the opposite side. |
| helps your body to move freely and improves flexibility. | | | | 4. Knees to Chest. Lie on your back and slowly hug |
| This is why you have more energy and a greater | | | | your knees to your chest. Keep your head flat on the |
| sense of well being at the end of your practice. | | | | floor and gently breathe as you squeeze your knees |
| If you are new to yoga, these five gentle yoga | | | | toward your chest. Take 3 - 7 rounds of steady |
| stretches will inspire you to seek out a class to learn | | | | breaths. Sometimes it helps to gently sway side to |
| more about this ancient art of rest and relaxation. As | | | | side in this pose. |
| with all exercise, take your time to practice and | | | | 5. Sit on the floor with the soles of your feet together. |
| breathe slowly and fully through your nose. | | | | Lengthen your spine and relax your shoulders and jaw. |
| 1. The Child Pose is a simple relaxation pose. Sit on | | | | Smile. Place your hands lightly on your knees and allow |
| your heels and stretch your arms in front of you to | | | | the out breath to soften and ease any tension you |
| open your shoulders. Rest your forehead on the floor. | | | | may feel in the groin. Stay focused on your breath for |
| Relax your face and rest your eyes. Gently breathe | | | | 3 - 7 rounds as you breathe into the stretch. Relax |
| for 3 -5 rounds of deep yogic breathing. Slowly place | | | | and release the legs. |
| your hands by your side with the palms upwards. | | | | Gentle yoga stress relieving exercises are a great |
| Breathe gently and relax. | | | | way to loosen up and release fatigue, tension and |
| 2. Rag Doll Pose. Firstly, stand tall and straight in the | | | | stiffness in your body - especially after a busy day at |
| Mountain Pose. Bend forward from your hips and, like | | | | work. Take your time as you practice and gradually |
| a rag doll, relax your shoulders, neck and head. Let | | | | aim to include these yoga stretches into your |
| your arms be soft and floppy and make sure your | | | | everyday schedule. You will be glad you did. |