Yoga combines the physical -- exercises that stretch and tone your body -- with the nurture and development of your emotional health and well-being. This simple practice, which works your back, hips, neck and shoulders, is ideal for relaxing your mind and body when you feel tired and stressed. All you need is 20 to 25 minutes to help slow your breathing, gently exercise your body and move your mind toward a state of stillness and clarity.
Before starting this practice, keep these general yoga tips in mind:
You'll probably be uncomfortable doing a yoga practice after eating a large meal, so wait about two hours before starting a practice. If you want to practice but feel very hungry, eat a piece of fruit or other small snack.
Stand or sit and become aware of your breathing at the beginning of each practice. Reflect on your inhalation and exhalation until each is smooth and regular. Try to keep that awareness and smoothness throughout your practice.
Use your breath as your teacher. When your breath becomes forced or uneven, your teacher is telling you to rest and wait for your breath to recover.
Imagine your practice as one flowing activity like a slow, rhythmic dance, not as a series of disconnected poses.
Use the resting poses to reflect on your breathing and to become aware of how your body and mind feel.
When your thoughts wander during practice, gently bring your attention back to focus on your breathing and the movements of your body.
Remember that poses can and should be adapted to suit you and your body. If you find any particular pose too challenging, look for ways to adapt it.
From Reader's Digest Yoga for Every Body
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From Reader's Digest Yoga for Every Body
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