Namaste
More than anything, yoga is about connecting to your breath — so in addition to these poses, know you can always find a little “namaste” by bringing your hands to heart center, closing your eyes, and taking 5-10 deep breaths before diving back into your work.
Your body, mind and spirit will thank you.
Seated Backbend
From seated, reach your hands a couple inches behind your hips.
Push into the chair, and reach your shoulder blades down and back.
Belly is hugged in as chest lifts up and presses forward. Send your gaze up, and if you want, back (but be mindful of your neck!)
Wrist and Finger Stretch
While sitting, take the fingertips of one hand into the palm of your other hand. Extend that same arm forward, at shoulder-height, and gently pull your fingers down toward the back of your wrist until you feel a slight stretch.
Count to five or 10, then switch hands.
From tadasana, extend your right arm toward the left side of your body, finding as much length as possible from right hip to right armpit.
Palm can face to the left, and gaze can shift up toward your bicep if that feels okay on your neck. Create space between your shoulders and ears.
For another option, reach your hands behind your low back to interlace fingertips in a bind.
Press your palms toward each other (don’t worry, they don’t have to touch!) as you raise your wrists away from your back.
Keep tipping your head in the direction of the floor, and release your neck.
Continue to bring your wrists forward, toward your head, as you create more openness through your shoulders and chest.
