As a yoga instructor, I am familiar with the annual complaint that keeping a regular practice through the holidays is near impossible; I myself have fallen off the mat (figuratively here, though the literal has definitely happened too) more than once as I made time for school programs, holiday shopping, travel, and of course, a steady assortment of all the foods that push twisting or touching my toes to the bottom of my to-do list. While the struggle to de-stress in the midst of the merry madness feels quite real, I assure you the following poses have been specially designed to work alongside the crazy that is momming at this time of year, and if in trying each you find yourself genuinely smiling for holiday selfies or losing the twitch in your left eye triggered with each new Christmas list draft, we’ll call it a win.
Shopping Cart Cat-Cows
Constantly craning to check your list twice (or more) ends in a holiday headache no one needs! Pause a few times in the midst of the bustle to take rounds of easy movement to loosen and let go. Place hands on the shopping cart handle, about shoulder-width apart, and gently hug the elbows and upper arms into the body; look straight forward and let the crown of your head lengthen upward. On an inhale, slowly lift your gaze and chin up to the ceiling as your shoulders soften down away from your ears, letting your heart lift as well (Cow). Exhale, gently tucking the chin toward the chest as you round the back and shoulders (Cat). Repeat these motions for three to five rounds of inhales and exhales. Ignore the stares of passersby, or generously share your yoga knowledge.
Wide-Legged Wrap-Up
Once the littles are tucked snuggly into bed (or perhaps sent back with your best “I’m not amused” mom-stare for the fourth time this hour), gather your gift wrapping materials close at hand and sit directly on the floor or prop your weary bones on a folded blanket. Extend your legs out and take them into a wide straddle, opening a roll of paper between them. Place a gift on top of the paper and flex your feet to activate and stretch the legs. Take a deep breath and pull the low belly in before using scissors to make careful snips forward through the paper while breathing deeply and lengthening from your low back through the crown of your head. Use the help of your hands to slowly make your way back to seated, then tape and ribbon your gift. Repeat.
Party Tree Pose
Dying to step out of those ski slope party heels, but can’t get away from the neighbor’s world travel recap? Sounds like the perfect opportunity to use yoga for a mental escape while strengthening your balance and social skills. With the option to use your spouse’s shoulder for support, stealthily slide one foot out of its heel and against the calf of your standing leg, below the knee. Smile gently, nod in conversation, and feel your eyes twinkle all while drawing your navel back and up the spine for core support. Stay here breathing easily for three to five breaths before gliding your foot back into its death trap—er, stunning velvet pump—and taking the pose on the second side.
Sukasana Storytime
Another day, another countdown to Christmas story, and while the tales never change, your seated position can! Tonight before settling in to read Pete Saves Christmas or Santa Ninja, take a hip-opening seat to counter this triple-the-car-trips time of year. With your legs extended in front, bend both knees and fold feet directly under opposite knees, making a small triangle shape inside of your legs. (Incidentally, this little triangle is the perfect size for a small, snuggly bottom.) Halfway through the story, be sure to take a pause for dramatic effect and to switch the cross of your legs—criss-cross-applesauce isn’t just for toddlers anymore!
Holiday Baking Breath
Inner peace doesn’t require going vegan or resisting your favorite recipe for gingersnaps! Somewhere between the sprinkles and sneaking bites of cookie dough, stop long enough to take a few rounds of four-count breath. Close your eyes and inhale through the nose to the count of four, hold this breath for the count of two, exhale through the nose for the count of four, and hold again for the count of two. Repeat this cycle of breathing three to five times. For the greatest psychological benefit, hold a tray of freshly baked goodness beneath the nose.
Happy holidays, everyone!
