Calm your mind in two simple poses
There are days when settling the mind and finding stillness feels particularly challenging. When I find myself in that state, two yoga poses help me regain balance and peace.
First Pose: Dangling Head
For this pose, you will need a mat and a blanket or a soft edge for support.
Place the blanket (or soft edge) under your heels.
Take a long, deep, and gentle breath as you stretch your arms up over your head.
Slowly fold forward with your hands in prayer position.
Keep a soft bend in your knees to avoid pressure on the hamstrings.
Thread your left arm between your legs so that your left elbow is in front of your left thigh and the back of your hand touches your right calf. Repeat with your right arm.
Let your head dangle gently, maintaining a slight bend in your back.
Breathe slowly for up to 10 breaths.
By encouraging blood flow toward your head and away from the heart, this pose can have a deeply soothing and calming effect.
These 2 simple poses can restore balance and calm your mind.
Second Pose: Modified Hug
For this pose, you will need a mat and a block or a folded blanket to sit on.
Sit on the mat and cross your left leg over your right in a triangle-like shape so that your knees face forward and your feet rest near your buttocks.
Place the block or blanket edge-forward in the same direction as your knees.
Sit up straight.
Gently place the palm of your right hand on your forehead, with fingers spread and touching your hairline.
Wrap your left arm around your chest, placing your left palm on the right side of your rib cage, as if giving yourself a hug.
Close your eyes and breathe deeply for at least 10 counts.
By placing your right palm on your forehead and wrapping your left arm around your rib cage, you provide yourself with a gentle, comforting embrace that helps soothe the mind.
These two poses are part of a monthly calming practice available on Glo, my favorite and most comprehensive yoga, mindfulness, and fitness platform.
Afterward, I like to indulge in a calming Cacao Latte from Tusol infused with adaptogens like ashwagandha, reishi, and cacao.
Give it a try and let us know how it works for you!
