1. Start your morning with an awareness check, before even getting out of bed. You can lie still and slowly become aware of your body, starting at your feet and moving up all the way to your head, acknowledging your body and checking in with yourself. This allows you to notice any areas of the body that may be stiff or uncomfortable. As you go about your day, bring that awareness with you, practicing some intentional movements to loosen up the stiff areas.
2. Practice mountain pose throughout the day. Mountain pose helps us find imbalances in our posture that may be related to minor aches and pains. Mountain pose is also a fantastic posture for bringing awareness to the body; it is the building block of all poses. This can be practiced while standing or sitting – the alignment principles are the same. You may stand or sit with your feet hip distance apart, take a peak at your joints and check to align your knees directly over your ankles and your shoulders in line with your hips. Finally, take 3 deep breaths to bring you into the present moment. You can practice this posture as you’re brushing your teeth, washing the dishes, standing in the grocery store line, pumping gas, eating, or sitting at work. Mountain pose can be practiced any time you are standing or sitting. This intentional practice throughout the day can help to improve your posture.
3. Take a moment to become aware of your breath. This helps to calm our minds and bring us into the present moment. Even 3 -5 deep intentional breaths may bring a sense of calm and simultaneous energy. Try taking these intentional breaths if you notice feelings of anxiety, frustration, or if you are having trouble focusing. I recommend taking a few minutes before getting out of you car before work to practice these intentional breaths. I find it helps me to let go of any frustrations that I may have experienced during the commute and to also let go of any anxiety I may have before a long 12-hour workday.
[“source-yoga”]