How does it work? Yoga activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body and mind. A regular yoga practice also allows you the time to disconnect from the world and connect to your breath, both of which can be invaluable for maintaining a state of inner calm. Stand in mountain pose with both feet planted firmly on the ground, hands on your hips. Exhale and slowly fold forward from your hip joints, lengthening the front of your torso. Bend your elbows and hold on to each elbow with opposite hand. Lightly sway from side to side if it feels good. Hold for at least 1 minute. Starting on all fours, cross your right knee over your left, stacking one on top of the other. Open your feet to the sides and gently ease your hips to the floor. Extend your arms to the sides and swing your right arm underneath your left arm. Firmly press your forearms together, lifting your elbows, keeping them parallel to the floor. Press your palms together. Hold this pose for 1 minute, then repeat with arms and legs reversed. Starting in downward-facing dog, bring your right knee forward and place it in line with your right hand. Your ankle should be in line with your left hand, your shin parallel to the front of your mat. Extend your left leg back and rest your knee and top of foot on the ground. Square your hips and fold forward resting your forehead on your hands. Hold for 2 to 5 minutes on each side. Sit on the floor with your knees wide and your toes touching. Lower your belly between your thighs and rest your forehead on the floor. Extend your arms, facing your palms down, and lengthen from your hips through your fingertips. Breathe gently in this pose and hold anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes. Lie back and bring the soles of your feet together as you let your knees relax open to the sides. Place your arms comfortably by your sides with your palms facing up. Breathe into the pose for anywhere from 2 to 30 minutes. For more yoga flows and mindfulness tips, check out Claire’s new ebook ENERGIZE!
