In Search of a Good Friday Stretch
Hi gang! Here are a few cool facts about yoga and why simple stretching techniques are healthy for adults and the seedlings alike.
1. Lung Relief
Many of us never stretch our sides. Doing this is excellent for the lungs (and you don’t even have to say ommmmm). Stretching your sides also reduces stored tension in the chest cavity. By improving flexibility and expanding those ribs, you will breathe easier, which is always a wonderful way to restore a sense of relaxation. (Breathing from the base of the torso, rather than the upper chest, is an instant way to calm down.)
Pay attention to your breathing and your chest tension throughout the day. Often, by afternoon, we’re wound tighter than a tennis racket. Stand up and do some side stretches, reaching as far to each side as you can. Breathe deeply as you do this and hold the stretch for at least 15 seconds. (Be sure to bend from your side, not from front to back.) To get the most from the stretch, raise your arms over your head and elongate your spine as you wave slowly to the side.
2. Child’s Pose: It’s for Everyone!
The popular yoga move known as Child’s Pose is an immediate and easy way to release stress and relax. It’s especially good for irritable or hyperactive children. Do it together as a family after school, or before dinner. This is a really freeing little pose for adults, too. To get the most out of it, really press yourself down into the floor and stretch your spine as much as you can. Now all you have to do is lie there and rest. It’s a 3-minute mini-vacation for the mind and body.
Further Reading:
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Posted By: Sara
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By the way gang, I found a cool article on preserving fruits and veggies (did you know the average family wastes $300 a year on produce that goes bad?). Head over to the forum to see it…posting it there!
I would observe my dog, when he would lay down or take a seat he would take a big breath in and slowly release it. Now I always do this every time I come to a stop and before I go to bed. Very relaxing.
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1209
Here’s a free 5 minute meditation to go along with this quick stretch:
http://www.hypno-freedom.com
Sara Stiles, a ford model, has a whole series of 5 minute viral video yoga instruction. Here’s one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0mI149vn6A
I watch these for the yoga.
McFly – I guess you were really focused on watching the yoga…’cause its Tara.
Tara…Sara…all the same, really.
Thanks for your great insights. See my blog called Dr. Brad on Conventional and Alternative medicine where I evaluate the potential benefits of yoga for high blood pressure, back pain, depression and more.
Been doing the Tibetan Rites for a year and find it very doable, in less than 20 minutes, it’s done.
Resty,
Have you noticed any significant changes????
They are pretty neat.
T.
Tatsujin, among others, abs have developed quite well. Just don’t get colds as I used to, on the other hand I might just be taking better care of myself.
Yoga is great for tightening your core and your backside!
Also improves posture. One really cool thing is that I find it improves the quality of my breathing…anyone else notice this?
Yes, the Child’s Pose is very relaxing, and I can feel the kinks ironing out all over my body.
However, I’ve found that if I do it immediately after doing a headstand (5 mins-ish), as my yoga book recommends (Dorling Kindersley), my shoulder and upper back muscles are *extremely* uncomfortable for the first 60 seconds – wound up tighter than the inside of a golf ball. I need to do something else first, until they loosen up. Possibly it’s because I’m late to yoga and so I’m still inflexible……?