Holiday Stress? Strike a Yoga Pose

The holiday season is here. It’s time for snowy fun, overstuffed meals, and eccentric aunts and uncles… for extra-long shopping lists and bigger pant-sizes. It’s a time of sharing and of gratitude for your friends and family. Snow flurries dance through the trees, and the crisp, arid breeze pierces your nostrils whenever you step outside, but all of this excitement might be bringing you a present you didn’t ask for—a heaping helping of holiday stress.

After travel fees, presents, and a refrigerator full of food, your wallet might be feeling a bit lighter. Anxiety about money can be a huge source of stress during the season of giving. Try some relaxing yoga poses to help ease you into the season. Nothing brings inner quiet quite like the Savasana or corpse pose. A correct yoga practice can help reduce anxiety, depression, and insomnia, according to the Mayo Clinic. Try extending into bridge pose, calming your mind, and letting the stretch enliven a stiff back and legs.

It’s a blessing to be able to see visiting family, but it can be hard not to let family squabbles shake your inner yogi. Step out to a quieter room and try some breathing exercises. Just a few minutes concentrated on yourself is all it takes. Slow down, focus on your breath, and release your worries in solitude. Once you have found some inner peace, sneak back to the action so you don’t miss Aunt Susie’s homemade pie and ice cream.

Speaking of dessert, the holiday season isn’t so easy on your belt. Whether you’re spending time with family or friends, chances are you’re a little worried about what that extra helping of pie is going to do to your waistline. Luckily, a strong yoga practice can help. Poses like Crescent Lunge or Eagle help tone your sides and thighs, increase your metabolism, and aid in digestion. A proper yoga practice can also help you transition to a healthier lifestyle. So put down that fork and plan your next asana.

Yoga: Tap into the many health benefits, Mayo Clinic