Practice Yoga anywhere, literally!

My friend used to make fun of me because everywhere I went, and whomever I was with whether I was having a conversation with someone, I was always stretching. Sure now that I look back some of that could have been out of nervousness and the inability to stay still…But it struck me recently while teaching to one of my one-on-one private Yoga students as I was giving her tips on how she can sneak some Yoga in during the day.

Yoga for me and I’m sure for many others is a lifestyle. Sure I practice on my mat, but the real deal happens when I’m out in the world doing my thing. But off the mat, is just as important as getting to practice ON the mat, right?!

SO, I’m speaking to folks out there that struggle with trying to get any Yoga in their week! Its understandable, we get busy…But the thing is, you can stretch and practice anywhere at any time…

Heres How, Tips on Where, and Which Yoga Poses to Explore:

*Waking up in the morning: Take a minute while laying in bed to take a Happy Baby Pose, Or Gentle Twist laying on your back. May as well squeeze the knees into the chest ( apanasana) great for the digestive organs and get things flowing!

*Waiting at the bank or grocery store: That’s one of the best times to stretch. Try Tree Pose or a modified version of Dancers Pose ( holding onto foot towards your bum and stretching quads) Yummy!

* At work: If you’re sitting at the desk, take a moment to stretch!! Seated Wide legged Child Pose( Open the legs wide and lean over and fold). Or legs together and lean over into a Modified Chair Child Pose. You can also Twist while sitting at your desk, it helps to release pressure from the spine from sitting all day. Finally my favorite, Thread the Needle while seated to open hips. Cross one ankle over the thigh and lean over to stretch the outer hip.

*Standing all day: For whatever reason if this is you, take a minute to take a Forward Fold, and you can take the hands behind your back interlacing fingers over your head(or as far as they’ll go, and you will feel so happy after:)) Take a modified Down Dog against a wall with hands on wall or resting on the seat of a chair to stretch your lower back.

*Driving: Okay, maybe not while you’re driving but before you start the engine or once you’ve arrived to your destination. Take a minute to roll the neck and head around a couple rounds. Then shrug the shoulders and round them in one direction and then the other to bring energy into the upper back.

I hope these ideas inspire you to stretch mindfully throughout your day. Every little bit counts and will help you with releasing tension and stress from your body, and ultimately your mind.

Blessings,
Jennyogini