Self Care For The Holidays

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Holidays can be HARD.

A time of year that’s meant to be joyful and celebratory can quickly spiral into feelings of overwhelm and discontent. The to do lists grow longer, the commitments pile up, the bank account drains and suddenly joy has left the building.

We have found that prioritizing even a teeny tiny bit of self care helps immensely. Slowing down to move more mindfully, to find pockets of joy and moments of quiet can help anchor us into the here and now and remind us what this season is all about. Connection. Community. Care (Bear Stare).

So we thought we’d compile a few of our favourite restorative yoga poses for ya. Nothing fancy. Nothing crazy. But holy smokes. When practiced with care and attention? Completely transformative. The goal? Well, the physical benefits of a yoga practice are pretty glorious. But that’s just a bonus. The whole dannggggg point is to make you more YOU. More alive, more joyful, more fulfilled. More self assured, more forgiving, more grounded, more YOU. Practice with patience and give yourself grace and just watch your life unfold. Here’s a few to get you started:

Reclined Bound Angle

Such a beautiful, supportive pose. Lying on your back, tuck your tail, bend your knees, bring the soles of your feet together and let your legs gently fall open. Taking your time to tuck cushions under your knees and neck for support. Soften the edges, breathe into your body and clear out the cobwebs. Enjoyyyy.

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Legs up the Wall (or Couch)

Ohhhhhhh sweet baby Jesus. This pose is the GOAT. The King of Kings. Not only is it incredibly beneficial (stretches the hammies and glutes, helps relieve lower back tension, and is GREAT for circulation, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet - moving the blood from your feet and legs and bringing it back to your heart) but its the most delicious and healing posture of them all. So right. So bright.

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Seated Forward Fold

This pose is pretty dang sweet. Opens up the entire back body and is so, so grounding and calming.

Bring yourself to a comfortable seated position on the floor, with your legs extended out in front of you. Sliding a cushion or rolled up pillow under your knees for support. Now, sitting up nice and tall, lengthening the spine and hingeing from the hips to fold forward. Placing a bolster or cushion on top of your legs to support the upper body and head. Settle in. Ahhhh.

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Cat / Cow

The key to unlocking the magic of this posture is to move sllllowwwwlyyy. Coming to a hands and knees position and as you inhale, gently drop the belly down, tilting the pelvis up to the sky and bringing your gaze up as well. Feeling that glorious stretch into the front body. As you begin to exhale, slowly start to round your back, tucking your pelvis under and bringing your chin towards your chest. Again, go suuuupppper slowing. Feel that tilt and tuck of the pelvis, the arching and rounding of the spine and enjoy every yummy, glorious moment.

Savasana

Mmmmm. Yogic sleep. Cozy, cozy. Blankets, bolsters, cushions, socks. Support yourself in the best possible way. Come to a comfortable laying position. Hands at your side or resting on your heart and belly. Breathe deeply. Fill your lungs, expand the chest. Breathe into your belly, your side body. Feel yourself soften, your eyes relax, your jaw relax. Enjoy a few long, nourishing breaths. Savour every last one.

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Spend any where between 1-5 minutes in each pose. Take your time. No where to go. Nothing else to do.

Just you. Your breathe. This moment.

And remember. We’re striving for a sincere life. Not a perfect one. Same goes for the holidays.

Let yourself off the hook. Be gentle with yourself and those around you.

Happy Holidays, friends.

Thank you so much to our dear friend Kara from Bodhi Holistic for joining us in cozy Sumac Cabin to model these juicy poses!!

Kara is offering a wonderful digital New Years Reset to help mitigate any holiday stress. Payment is on a sliding scale to make it as accessible as possible. She’s also offering a STUNNINGGGG retreat in Costa Rica this coming February that looks absolutely DIVINE. And Anupaya peeps can enjoy $250 OFF by using the code ANUPAYA at checkout!!!!