Five to Thrive

 Here's FIVE ideas for breathing, balancing, strengthening, and s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g!  

https://youtu.be/lMLb6yNXV68 (13:16)

First check in on your internal weather.  Is it a sunny, rainy, snowy, stormy day? There is no one way to interpret--a rainy day may be someone's sad but another's calm.  How are you feeling?  Don't judge your observation, just take notice.  

(1) B=BREATHE -- Take a deep breath.  Feel the breath come in the nose, then into your lungs, and belly. Try breathing slowly and deeply by tracing your hand.  Breath in as you trace up the finger and breath out as you trace down.  Take five more breaths as many times as needed.

(2) T=TREE -- Feel the ground with one foot, really "grow roots" into the earth. Kickstand the other by the ankle or balance it on your calf or thigh. Press the palms together with thumbs to heart, or grow your branches high. Relax your shoulders and turn the corners of your mouth toward your ears!!

(3) T=TRIANGLE -- Feet on railroad tracks, take one toe to the side. Put a comfortable amount of space between feet and stretch arms out like crossing a capital letter "T." Breathe in as you reach over the pointy toe, roll down with that arm and reach high with the other. The "down arm" may reach to the seat of a chair or yoga block.  Engage your core, don't just hang in the pose.  Try it on both sides of the body.

(4) T=TWIST -- Tiptoe your feet so your sitting sideways on the chair.  Sit on the chair so your feet are flat on the floor and reach around to the back of the chair.  Breathe in to grow tall and then exhale to squeeze the twist a millimeter more.  

(5) MC=MAGIC CARPET -- Sit comfortably or try "legs up the wall*" if your space allows.  Imagine traveling on a magic carpet to a place that is a safe and happy place for you to be.  Be still and quiet as you enjoy this place.  How do you feel when you travel back to here and now?

*Legs Up the Wall" Benefits:

reduces edema in legs and feet

relieves tired leg muscles

super calming for the nervous system

quiets the mind

better focus

shift in perspective

reverse the effects of gravity on the whole system

help regulate blood pressure

help improve digestion

aids arthritis, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, mild depression, varicose veins, menstrual cramps, PMS, menopausal symptoms

stretches hamstrings, front torso, and back of neck

helps keep you young and vital, anti-aging effects

relieves mild backache

improves problems of eyes and ears

What is your internal weather now?🌧⛈🌦🌞  How did breathing, balancing, strengthening, and s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g effect your weather??!  These are tools you have available to take care and be strong and confident!!💪