Quick Calming Yoga Break

Having a stressful day? Try this quick calming yoga break to relax and release tension.

Quick Calming Yoga Break

In today’s hectic world we are often running ourselves frazzled with too much to do. We crave an hour to ourselves, but some days we can’t get it. It’s important to build short breaks throughout the day that allow us to release tension.

This quick calming yoga break will teach you how to bring more ease to your breath, body and mind in under 5 minutes.

You can practice this technique standing or seated. Being seated will help you feel more stable and grounded.

Simply inhale for a count of 6 as you lift your arms overhead.

Next, exhale for 8 counts as you turn your palms toward the ground and allow your arms to float back to your sides. Dropping your chin toward your chest will add a calming effect to each exhalation.

Place an emphasis on each exhalation by making it slightly longer than each inhalation. When you sync your physical movement with your breath and focus your attention you are practicing yoga, versus stretching. This concentrated balance of effort and ease connected to extended exhalations will turn on your body’s relaxation response in as little as 5 rounds of breath.

It shouldn’t take you more than 3 minutes once you get the hang of it. You may be tempted to rush through, but do your best to stay focused and really make those 3 minutes count.

Leave your questions and comments below. I want to know how this yoga technique works for you.

The next time you feel the urge to head to happy hour, practice this quick calming yoga break instead.