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ms.mindbody's weekly vegimental
FEBRUARY 7, 2008

A CURE FOR THE I'M-TOO-BUSY-TO-RELAX BLUES
One Simple Stretch That Works Miracles

We all have days where it feels like we barely have time to eat, much less do any kind of exercise to relieve some of the accompanying tension and fatigue. I’ve got one simple suggestion you can do to make these inevitable frantic times a little more bearable. It’s a modification of the classic yoga pose, downward dog, that you can do even in the midst of the busiest day. Honest.

Try doing this pose in the kitchen while you wait for your bread to toast. Or sneaking off to an empty conference room during a bad day at the office. And it feels extra fabulous when you do it in the shower and let the warm water hit your lower back. (After all, no matter how harried you are, chances are you’re still going to shower, right?)

This easy stretch strengthens and energizes your legs as it stretches and releases tension from your back and shoulders. It also opens the chest and abdomen, which promotes deep breathing, relaxation, and digestion. It’s really a magic move. About the only thing it can’t do is cook dinner.

Super Simple Downward Dog

• Stand about two feet away from a wall, facing the wall.
• Hinge forward at your hips and bring your palms to the wall at hip height.
• Walk your feet back until they are directly under your hips and your arms are as straight as they can be.
• Look at the floor directly beneath you so your neck stays nice and long.
• Reach down through your feet and lift your kneecaps up to energize the muscles in your legs.
• Press your palms into the wall and reach the very top of your head toward the wall and your sitting bones away from the wall to make your back as long as possible.
• Stay for at least five slow, deep breaths, or as long as it feels good.
• To come up, bring your hands to your hips, keep your spine long, and lift your torso back up to standing.
• If you get dizzy once you’re up, step forward and rest your forehead on the wall until you’re stable again.
• Repeat as necessary.

I've been doing this pose a lot lately, because my husband and I had our first baby three weeks ago. Her name is Lillian, and although she's keeping me busier than a one-legged man in a hopping contest, she's totally worth it. One of the many things she's already taught me is that even 30 seconds spent in this pose is like a mini massage. I stand up feeling a little more awake, a little looser, and lot more ready to deal with the next diaper change. I hope it helps you handle your busy life with a little more ease as well.

Take care and keep breathing,
Kate

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