It's been a whirlwind of a semester, and it's all coming to an end.
And while we have so much to look forward to as the fall session comes to a close, I think it's fair to say that we're all feeling the effects of our hectic college lifestyles.
So when you've wrapped up the last of your finals, be sure to take a minute to practice a few yoga poses to restore and rejuvenate your body and mind before heading home for the winter break!
Here are some of my favorites.
1. Legs Up The Wall (Viparita Karani)
This pose slows your heart rate down and allows blood to flow easily to the brain and internal organs.
Lay flat on your mat with your tail up against a wall. Stretch your legs straight up and rest them on the wall.
2. Child’s Pose (Balasana)
This pose is a resting pose that stretches the lower back and the hips.
Start by sitting on your knees. Open your thighs while keeping your toes together. Place your arms on the ground in front of you and sink your hips back, reaching your forehead to the ground.
3. Fire Log Pose (Agnistambhasana)
This pose is great for stretching out the outer hips after sitting for a long exam.
Simply sit somewhere comfortable with one leg bent. Then bend the other leg as if you were going to sit criss-cross-applesauce. But instead, place the second leg atop the first one and lean as far forward as you can to deepen the stretch.
4. Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Virasana)
This restorative pose stretches the hip and groin and provides some time to be mindful.
Sit with knees bent out to the side and the soles of your feet touching. Slowly lower back to a horizontal position. Feel free to place a pillow or rolled up towel beneath your lower back.
5. Corpse Pose (Savasana)
This pose is the ultimate relaxation pose.
Lay flat on your back and practice your favorite form of mindful meditation, or simply allow your thoughts to wander.