Using Yoga to Relax
Everyone needs something to help them relax, and that becomes even more important if you work from home or live in a place where cold weather can keep you cooped up inside. One of the easiest (and healthiest) solutions is to try some yoga. It’s low-impact, requires basically no equipment, and integrates breathing as an added de-stressing element. Plus, if you already live at an Indianapolis luxury apartment like Flats at the Crossing, you can combine yoga with your daily workout at a state-of-the-art fitness center
Pose #1: Child’s Pose
What to Do
Child’s Pose is a very simple pose to achieve. You’ll need to get down on your knees on a comfortable surface. Make sure your toes are untucked and pointed behind you. Rest your hips back until you’re weight is mostly on your legs. Then stretch out both arms straight in front of you, palms down on the floor, as far as you can reach. Let your head relax forward so you’re looking down at the floor. Relax your weight into the pose as much as possible and breathe slowly in and out for a full 6-8 breaths.
How It Helps
This pose is especially great for relaxing your lower body, including your spine, which can get really tight from stress or sitting at a desk all day. It also increases blood flow to your head, giving you a boost in circulation.
Pose #2: Cat and Cow
What to Do
This is technically a pose combo, but it is a perfect pairing. You’ll need to get safely down onto all fours. Your weight should be balanced evenly between your hands and your knees with a neutral, straight spine. Your legs should be about hips’ width apart, toes untucked, and your hands should be shoulders’ width apart. To perform the “cat” part of the pose, on an exhale, slowly draw your navel up as you arch your back with your head pointing down. Stay here for a few counts, then when you’re ready, move into the “cow” part of the pose. For this step, on an exhale, slowly push your navel down towards the ground so your spine curves like a cup, while you draw your head and hips up. Stay here for a few counts. Continue to alternate between Cat and Cow as long as it’s comfortable.
How It Helps
These poses are perfect for stretching and strengthening your neck down through your whole spine. You can also engage your abs to strengthen and support your abdominal area. It makes the perfect warm-up or cooldown pose.
Pose #3: Forward Bend
What to Do
Reach both arms straight up above your head with your legs about hips’ width apart. Slowly bend over with a straight, extended spine and let the weight of your upper half slowly bring you down towards your toes. Everyone’s flexibility level is different, so you may need to make minor adjustments for your needs. With your arms, you can try to reach for your toes. You can take your hands and grab opposite elbows and swing your arms up and down and left to right to loosen your upper body. You can also start the pose with your hands interlaced behind your back, extend your arms until your elbows lock, and slowly bring them up and over as far as you can. If you’re having problems with your knees, you can also put a slight bend in them instead of standing with your legs completely straight.
How It Helps
A forward bend is a great overall tension reliever, especially if you work at home. It stretches out your spine and neck, and adding various adaptations with your arms can also help with your shoulder tension!
Pose #4: Cobra Stretch
What to Do
Safely get to the floor and lay with your stomach flat on the floor, legs stretched out behind you with toes untucked. Start with your hands just to the side of your shoulders and slightly forward, elbows bent. When you’re ready, slowly push up with your hands, bringing your spine up in a gentle curve, and face up to the ceiling. Be sure to keep your hips on the floor. Slowly lower back down after a few breaths.
How It Helps
Besides the obvious spine stretch, the Cobra helps you with posture. It also provides a deep stretch across your chest and abdominal muscles. It is also a top pose for your lower back.
Are you looking for the perfect place to unwind in luxury? Take a tour at 82 Flats at the Crossing, apartment homes right by Keystone at the Crossing in Indianapolis. You can do some relaxing yoga poses in our fitness center and also enjoy other premium amenities like the resident media lounge, game room with TVs and shuffleboard, and serene views of Lake Claire. Call today: (317)-661-2850.