A pat on the back for continuing this 21 day self-care challenge!
The mind-body benefits of yoga are legendary, and documented with scientific research the health benefits. Yet images of pretzel-like positions and scary headstands intimidate novices, especially those who don’t feel flexible or calm. Anyone can do yoga—even you—and quickly relieve rocketing stress hormones in your body.
Find a quiet stretch of floor. No need for a mat; a towel or rug is nice if your floor is hard and bare. Try the crocodile pose today. Lie on your stomach. Spread your legs wide, gently turning heels in so that inner thighs, knees, and ankles touch the floor. Place your forehead on your forearms, holding each elbow softly in the opposite hand. Adjust if you need to, to feel more comfortable. Stretch out, sinking into the pose, for about ten minutes. Breathe slowly and gently.
Practice this mantra: “I can take ten minutes to stretch out and regroup.”
Copyright © 2010 by Ann Dunnewold and Diane Sanford, authors of Life Will Never Be The Same: The Real Mom's Postpartum Survival Guide.
