We all know how crummy it feels to be under the weather. Body aches, chills, snot… none of it is any fun! Often our skin and hair even hurt. I have found over the years that the only way for me to get through these sleepless nights and uncomfortable days is with yoga practice. Just slow, gentle movements with deep breaths can bring a ton of relief. Below is a list of my favorite restorative yoga postures for times when I am feeling lousy.
1. Wide-legged Child’s Pose
Spread your knees as wide as possible, but keep your toes together. You may want to put a blanket under your knees, or turn your mat sideways. Also, try supporting your chest with a bolster, blanket or pillow.
2. Dragon (Lunge)
Create as much forward lunge as is comfortable. Relax into your pelvis. If you experience knee pain in the front leg, walk your front foot forward, leaving the knee behind the ankle. The stretch should focus on the back leg hip flexor. Repeat on the second side.
3. Dragon Counter-pose
4. Wide Angle Side Bend
Stretch the legs apart, and keep the toes pointing up to the ceiling. Stretch one arm up and over the head, while gently twisting the torso upwards. Repeat on the other side.
5. Glutes Stretch
Lie on your back with legs bent. Prop one ankle on top of the other knee. You may stay here, or bring your legs towards your chest. Next, lace your hands around the back of the bottom leg’s thigh. Use your elbow to press your top leg’s knee away from you while gently continuing to pull your legs into your chest.
6. Lying Down Twist
Bring the knees into the chest and then drop them to one side. Pick your head up, look the opposite direction, and then set it back down. The twist should mostly happen in the upper two thirds of the spine. Repeat on the other side.
7. Happy Baby
Reach between your legs and grab the outer edges of your feet. Allow the knees to bend. Use your arm strength to pull your legs towards the floor, as well as apart. Rock from side to side.
8. Banana-asana
Lie on your back. Shift your upper torso and legs to one side creating a banana, or crescent shape. Maintain contact with your back to the floor. Do not roll onto one side. Focus your breath from the tips of the toes on the long/outer side, to the tips of your fingers. Repeat on the other side.
9. Final Relaxation
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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Moreover, views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Awareness Junkie or its staff.
