5 mini yoga hacks
No time for a yoga class? No problem! By Sarah Highfield
We all have days which are so busy that we barely have a moment for ourselves, and on those days, finding time to do a yoga class is impossible. However, all is not lost. Here are five mini yoga hacks, for even the most time pressed, to help you through a rough day.
Feel-good stretch
Find one minute to lie on the floor with a cushion or pillow under the middle of your back (with your bottom and head resting on the floor). This gentle supported backbend is an effective and comfortable way to stretch because it is passive (no effort involved!), it stretches the front of your chest, and is grounding. This stretch releases tension in your body and helps you to feel happy and serene.
3 minutes to calm
Sit in a comfortable and quiet spot and close your eyes, maybe set a timer if you need to, then simply focus on your breath, breathing slowly in through the nose and out of the mouth. This is a wonderful way to tune in to your body and create a sense of calm. Scientific studies show that a few moments of conscious breathing each day is enough to help lower your heart rate, reduce depression, and reduce stress levels.
Be present when you eat
Eating in the present moment is a key principle of ayurvedic eating. In ayurveda, how you eat is just as important as what you eat, because it is essential for healthy digestion. At your next meal, try to eat free of distractions (read ‘screens’) and use all five of your senses. By eating more mindfully, you will make better food choices, appreciate your food more, and stop eating when you are full.
Be kind
Being kind can strengthen relationships with those around you and your sense of satisfaction. In yogic texts there is a Sanskrit word, ‘ahimsa,’ which means ‘do no harm.’ Kindness is free, it can be as simple as smiling or giving a compliment, and know that your small, caring actions can make a valuable difference to someone else’s day.
Self-care
We all know that to look after others, we need to look after ourselves first. Focusing on self-care is vital for your mental health, encourages you to make better choices and experience more joy in life. Self-care can be as simple as a 10-minute walk in the fresh air or even a five minute phone call with a loved one.
Sarah Highfield is a yoga teacher, writer and a three-time OM cover model. Visit: yogagise.com or connect on Instagram @Yogagise
Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
