Hi Liv+Dave readers! My name's Gaby and I blog over at This Little Port.
I'm a Sydney based yoga teacher, and, in honour
of Liv and Dave's imminent move, today I'll share three easy poses for
dealing with stress...
1. Alternate nostril
breathing. This isn't a pose, it's a pranayama (breathing)
technique that restores balance, calms the mind and settles the nervous
system. To do it, find a comfortable seat where you can sit with a tall
spine. If sitting on the floor is uncomfortable, sit in a chair with
your feet flat on the floor. Using your right hand, curl the middle 3
fingers in towards your palm. Block your right nostril with your right
thumb, inhale only through your left nostril. Block your left nostril
with your left pinky and exhale only through the right. Inhale through
the right side, block it and exhale through the left. Once you've got
the hang of it close your eyes and try to stick with it for 3-5 minutes.
At the end sit in stillness breathing normally for a minute or
so.
2. Child's pose. This simple pose relieves
stress and can alleviate back pain (especially in the lower back). Sit
on your shins with your big toes touching, then round your body forward
so you rest your belly against your thighs and your forehead on the
ground. If your forehead doesn't touch the floor, support it with your
hands. Stay for as long as feels good and tune into your breath. In this
pose, you'll notice your breath behind your heart, as your back
broadens.
3. Legs up the wall. One of my personal
favourites, the Sanskrit name of this pose actually translates as
'reversing attitude.' Simply bring yourself to a wall and rest both of
your legs against it. Take your arms out wide, close your eyes, breathe
into your belly and stay for a good 5 to 7 minutes. It's a game changer.
Thanks Gaby! I am so grateful to have you as a guest over here. It's so helpful while moving.
I will do this little yoga session today, can't wait.
The movers took all our belongings and we are ready to go.
Stressful but exciting. If you want to keep up to date with us in the meantime follow me on instagram
to see what we are up to until we are back to regular posting soon! Take care.
