Beauty Tips

Yoga Poses to Tame Holiday Stress Instantly

Take a break from in-laws, company and holiday budgeting with this easy mood-soother

by Hayley Mason | COMMENT

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You Stayed Up All Night Wrapping Gifts Sleep is in short supply most of the year, but during the holidays it becomes even more limited (especially if you're camped out on an air mattress at your relatives'). Practice poses that focus more on breathing than body during these lower-energy periods.

The Pose:
Reclined Cobbler's Pose

To warm up, begin in child's pose, holding for 20 seconds to slowly breathe in and out. Next, slowly move into downward facing dog. Inhale and lift your right leg into the air for just a beat, then exhale and tuck that leg into the belly, holding for a few breaths. Let that foot fall in front of you -- pulling it with your hand if you need to --into a lunge. Exhale and turn, reaching your right arm to the sky. Inhale, bringing the arm back down. As you exhale, return to downward facing dog.

Hold for a breath or two before lowering yourself into a straight-armed plank position. Hold this position for ten seconds, then return to downward facing dog. Now, repeat this sequence, this time using your left arm and leg. When you've finished, return to child's pose.

Now to begin the reclined cobbler pose, return to a seated position, with bent knees out in front of you. Gently roll yourself to the ground, vertebrae by vertebrae, and extend arms out to the side. Next, bring you arms up above your head, holding onto your elbows. Let the soles of your feet come together. Hold this position, breathing in four counts and out four counts. Repeat your breathing four or five times. Feel free to let your knees bounce slightly, releasing more tension.

Next, take a deep breath in and relax your legs out in front of you. Continue breathing, relaxing your whole body into the mat until you want to end your routine.

Why It Soothes:
"Reclined cobbler's pose is a great and simple exercise for calming the mind," says Narain, "bringing a feeling of ease to the body and aiding in deep, restful sleep." So whether you just can't sleep thinking over your holiday shopping and to-do lists, or you're nights behind on shut-eye, finishing your yoga routine with a breathing-centric pose like this one will help. "Poses like the cobbler help you slow down, unwind and breathe, allowing the body to let go and to settle."

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