| At the end of a busy day at work, what do you do to | | | | with your legs extended. Stretch forward from your |
| relax? Do you grab a pizza as you get off the train | | | | hips as you take your chest as close as possible to |
| and eat it whilst watching television; do you rush to the | | | | your thighs. Breathe slowly and deeply in this pose for |
| child minders to pick up your kids and rush home only | | | | 5 - 10 rounds of deep yogic breathing. Slowly come |
| to leave again as soon as you arrive to take your | | | | out of the pose and rest your hands on your thighs. |
| children to one of their many social and leisure | | | | 2. Bridge Pose. Lie on your back with your feet flat on |
| activities? | | | | the floor and your knees bent, your heels as close as |
| Constant rushing from activity to activity takes it toll on | | | | possible to your buttocks. Place your hands on your |
| your body. Do you suffer from lower back pain, | | | | back with your fingers pointing towards your spine. Lift |
| shoulder tension and neck pain? Do you feel as if you | | | | your hips high. Hold this pose for 3 - 7 rounds of deep |
| have no time to think and suffer from headaches and | | | | breathing. Slowly come down out of the pose. |
| migraines? You might even feel guilty as you know | | | | 3. Knees to Chest. Lie on your back and slowly hug |
| you should be taking better care of your health but just | | | | your knees to your chest. Keep your head flat on the |
| don't have the time or energy to motivate yourself and | | | | floor and gently breathe as you squeeze your knees |
| go to the gym. | | | | toward your chest. Take 3 - 7 rounds of steady |
| If you are tired of always feeling stressed out and | | | | breaths. Sometimes it helps to gently sway side to |
| wish to feel empowered and full of energy then it is | | | | side in this pose. |
| vital you do something every day that energises your | | | | 4. Savasana. Lie on your back with your legs |
| body and calms your mind. | | | | stretched out straight along the floor. Have your arms |
| Yoga, with it emphasis on stretching, healthy eating and | | | | a few inches from your side, palms up. Tuck your chin |
| relaxation offers you the ideal antidote to release | | | | in and make sure your lower back is comfortable; you |
| stress and tension at the end of a full and stressful | | | | can place a small cushion under your knees to support |
| day. | | | | your back if necessary. Close your eyes and allow |
| Four Easy Yoga Stretches to Beat Stress | | | | your whole body to relax. Stay in this position for 3 - 5 |
| Practice the following four easy stretches at the end | | | | minutes. Slowly stretch your body, roll over to your |
| of your working day. They are designed to gently | | | | side and take 3 gentle breathes before coming up to a |
| ease stress and tension from your back and shoulders | | | | seated position. |
| and leave you feeling light, calm and relaxed. | | | | As you can see, these gentle easy yoga stretches |
| When you practice these poses, be gentle, let your | | | | can easily be done on the floor or even on your bed. |
| breath be soft and take time to allow your body to | | | | They will help you to unwind after a stressful day and |
| stretch and for your muscles to let go of tension. | | | | leave your body feeling rested and your mind calm |
| 1. Seated Forward Bend. Sit on the floor or yoga mat | | | | and clear. Relax and Enjoy. |