Reading week is finally here and we bet you're just as excited as we are to sit back, relax, and de-stress before we kick back into school mode once again.
And what's the best way to accomplish this?
A 15 minute yoga routine of course! This routine is for everyone-from beginners, all the way to expert yogis!
These simple seven poses that we've put together for you will help you to stretch your muscles, relax your mind, and enable you to start the day off right.
Some even swear they've traded in morning coffee for morning yoga!
Standing Forward Bend
We begin by standing nice and tall, your hands placed on your hips. Take a deep breathe in, and exhale, bending your body over your knees until your hands reach the floor.
To come up, inhale, press the back heel firmly into the floor and reach up through the arms, straightening the front knee.
Turn your feet forward and release the arms with an exhalation.
Take a few breaths, then repeat this pose with the opposite legs.
Warrior I
Now we move onto Warrior I. Take a deep breath in and slightly step forward so that your feet are about four feet apart from each other, and reach your fingers all the way to the ceiling. Turn your front foot 45 degrees to the right while your back foot turns at about a 90 degree angle.
Exhale and rotate your body to the right, squaring it as much as you can to the front of your mat.
Bend your front leg forward and go down, keeping your arms up nice and high, and feeling the stretch in your legs and back. Hold for 30 seconds to one minute. Repeat on your other side!
Tree Pose
It's time for Tree Pose! From your standing position, shift your weight slightly onto the left foot, and bend your right knee. Reach down your right hand and grab your right ankle.
Bring your right foot up and place the sole of your foot against your inner left thigh.
Firmly push your right foot against your inner left thigh and bring your hands above your head, placing them together.
Hold this pose for 30 seconds to a minute, and repeat on the other side!
Child's Pose
We start Child's Pose off by kneeling onto the floor; tough your big toes together and sit on your heels, separating your knees as wide as your hips.
Exhale your breath, and lay your body down onto the floor. Lay your hands alongside you, palms facing up, and release the front of your shoulders towards the floor.
This is a resting pose - so relax! You can stay in this pose anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes taking nice, deep, breaths.
Pelvic Tilts
Pelvic Tilts are a great way to loosen up those hips!
Lie on your back with both your knees bent and your heels on the floor.
On an exhale breath, rock your hips gently towards your face; your bum should not actually leave the floor.
After a few seconds, inhale and return back to your neutral position to repeat this pose- do this about 5-10 times
Cat-Cow
Begin on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders. Place your shins and your knees hip width apart and centre your head in a neutral position.
We then begin by moving into Cow Pose; inhale as your drop your belly towards the mat, then lift both your chin and your gaze towards the ceiling.
Next, we move into Cat Pose; as you exhale, draw your belly into your spine and round your back up towards the ceiling. Release your head to the floor, but not so much that your chin touches your chest.
Inhale coming back into Cow Pose, and then exhale as you return to Cat Pose; repeat 5-10 times.
Downward Facing Dog
From Cow Pose, exhale and lift your knees away from the floor, keeping your knees slightly bent.
Push your top thighs back and stretch your heels onto or down toward the floor. Straighten your knees but be sure not to lock them.
Stay in this pose anywhere from 1 to 3 minutes. Then bend your knees to the floor with an exhalation and rest in Child’s Pose.
There you have it Voyageurs! A 15 minute yoga routine that is sure to help you stay balanced both mentally and physically over the course of reading week!
Don't let your wellness cup dwindle down just because you're taking a break! Take care of yourself each and every day, nourishing both your body and your mind.
Our blog is filled with a ton of helpful info on a number of fun and unique ways that will keep you active and well, so why not have a look!