Kick your afternoon slump to the curb—without all the caffeine! These easy, rejuvenating yoga poses will increase circulation and restore energy you need to tackle the rest of your day. Home with the kiddos? Play “follow the leader” and have them get in on all the energizing action.
1. Standing Forward Bend
Standing with your feet together and knees slightly bent, slowly “fold over” at the hips, bringing your head down close as you can to your knees as comfortably as you can without straining. Relax your body, neck and arms, rest your hands on the ground, and breathe in and out. Hold for up to a minute.
2. Downward-Facing Dog
Begin on your hands and knees. With your legs, slowly push your knees up away from the floor so that your pelvis is pointed up in the air and your body makes an upside down “V” shape. Be sure to ground your feet (adjust their positioning if you feel off balance or if you’re putting too much strain on your calves) and keep your neck relaxed. Breathe deeply throughout and hold up to a few minutes as comfortable.
3. Warrior Pose
From your downward-facing dog pose, bring your right foot forward between your hands. Slowly stand keeping your knee bent at 90 degrees, and shift your torso to the left so that you’re in a stable side lunge position. At the same time as you’re rising into the side lunge, swing your straight right arm up across your body and hold it out to the side at shoulder height, with your left arm out to the other side. Hold and breathe.
*Disclaimer: We are not yoga experts here, we just know what works for us! If you have any medical concerns or issues, consult your physician before attempting these poses.