This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sociable Apparel. All opinions are 100% mine.
Today we're hosting a giveaway of their great Eat Sleep Yoga tank. More details below.
As part of this month's yoga focus - a 31 day program to de-stress - I created a little photo series of four simple poses we can literally do anywhere to help alleviate stress. As always, you'll want to be sure you're warmed up to start, and always work within a pain-free range.
1. Tree Pose - Balancing poses are excellent to work on when you're trying to de-stress because they really require a calm, clear mind. Begin by shifting all your weight into one foot and then evenly distribute the weight across all four corners of the standing leg's foot. Take the arms any which way you like - hands to the hips, out to the side or up overhead. I brought mine up overhead so you can could read my awesome shirt from Sociable Apparel. I'm psyched because they're offering up a giveaway! More details below. Breathe 5 - 7 breaths on one side before moving to the other.
Related: How to balance better in yoga
2. Front body stretch - I love this because it opens up the chest and hip flexors and releasing tension there can make a world of difference. Start on all fours with the joints stacked. Then, lift one leg as you bend the knee and grab hold of the foot with the opposite hand. If it's not in your practice to grab the foot yet, use a yoga strap to help connect. Breathe 5 - 7 breaths on one side before moving to the other.
3. Camel pose - A deeper front body stretch, this backbend is a favorite of many. Really be sure you're warmed up before you go into it. Start by sitting on your shins with your knees hip distance and your feet in line with your knees. Then, reach back and grab hold of the heels. If the flexibility isn't there yet, just keep the hands at the hips and press your hips forward as you lift the heart and lean back. If you are able to grab hold of the heels, picture your body shape as the capital letter D. Breathe 5 - 7 breaths before transitioning into child's pose.
4. Child's pose - Such a grounding, calming yoga pose and one I recommend people practice daily. It's an excellent pose for stress and it also releases tension in the hips and low back. You can keep the knees together or take them wide - whatever feels good to you, do that. If it's uncomfortable for you, try putting a rolled up towel between the calves and the thighs and see if that helps. Breathe 7 - 10 breaths here.
A quick word about this top from Sociable Apparel: it's super cozy, and made from a soft cotton blend with just the right amount of stretch to it. I've worn it and washed it a number of times and it hasn't shrunk, nor has the lettering been damaged. Great quality and such a cute top! To enter the giveaway for two tops and a $100 Steve Madden gift card, just tell us your favorite way to de-stress. If it's yoga, tell us your favorite pose. If it's something else (massage, singing in the shower, going for a run) tell us what it is down in the comments below.
After you've left a comment, pop over to this link to finish your entry. Can't wait to hear from you!