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It happens to all of us. If you’ve planned to go to a yoga class but after a long days’ work decided you too tired and would much rather head home, I suggest you still do something. Often, after a long day it’s easy to skip what we know we should do and just crash on the couch. As much as we may not want to, I challenge you to take just 15-minutes out of your evening, as soon as you get home or just before going to bed, to do a simple yoga pose and reconnect with yourself. You will feel more relaxed and lighter afterwards.
A quick yoga session in Balasana will do you wonders. It is very calming and nurturing. Find a quiet space where you will not be distracted. Set your alarm for 15 minutes and if possible, bring the volume down so it does not frighten you when it goes off. Bringing your knees as wide as your mat draw your hips towards your heels. Stretch your arms out in front of you with fingers spread out and elbows resting on the mat. Release your head towards the floor. If your forehead does not reach your mat, you may roll up some blankets, get some pillows or use blocks to rest your forehead down. Relax into the pose and just breathe.
Observe your breath and as you find yourself relaxing a little bit more, start to draw each breath down into the belly, filling your lungs up all the way to your clavicle. Then exhale soothingly releasing each muscle, allowing it to relax as you notice the belly draw in pushing the air out your nose. With each in breath you are drawing in positivity and vitality, nourishing the body and with each out breath you release any tension you are holding onto and let go of any thoughts and negativity.
As the breathing becomes more natural and automatic you will start to feel a sense of release. Start to draw your attention to your third eye, located between your eye brows. Just focus inwards. Focus on you and forget about any outside distractions. If any thoughts trickle into your mind, slowly watch them fade away as you draw your attention to your third eye and back to your breath.
When your alarm goes off after 15min, don’t rush to switch it off. Rather allow it to beep as you take three last breathes, start to walk your hands to your knees, sitting on your heels with your palms facing up on your thighs, lift up the corners of your lips and slowly flicker your eyes open.
Yoga is not just about the physical movements, it’s not just exercise, it is also about taking time out for yourself and reconnecting. Hopefully after just 15 minutes you will feel a little bit more relaxed and at peace.