A few postures to memorize to do your body good during your next trip...
The Benefits of Yoga After Travel: Recharge Your Energy This Summer
Introduction
With the summer holidays approaching, many of us are preparing to embark on exciting adventures. Whether you're traveling by plane, train, or car, the journey can be exhausting. Once you return, it's essential to relax and revitalize your body and mind. Practicing yoga after a vacation is an excellent practice for rebalancing your energy. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of post-travel practice and share some simple asanas every yogi can practice to rejuvenate.
Why Practice Yoga After a Trip?
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Travel, while exciting, can often be stressful. Whether it's flight delays or long car rides, our bodies and minds can suffer. Yoga is known for its calming effects on the nervous system. Breathing techniques and yoga asanas can help reduce stress and calm anxiety, allowing you to regain your sense of serenity.
Relieve Muscle Pain
Sitting for long periods of time can cause muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the back, shoulders, and legs. Yoga poses stretch and strengthen muscles, improving flexibility and reducing tension. Practicing a few poses after a move can help relieve pain and aches in the back, shoulders, and legs.
Improve Blood Circulation
Yoga stimulates blood circulation, which is especially beneficial after a long flight or car ride. Inverted asanas like the Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani) can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow, leaving you feeling light and revitalized.
Yoga Poses to Try After Travel
1. Child's Pose (Balasana)
Child's pose is a resting pose that helps relax the lower back and calm the mind. It's ideal after a trip to reconnect with your body.
Instructions :
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- Kneel on the floor with your big toes touching and your knees hip-width apart.
- Sit back on your heels and lean forward, stretching your arms out in front of you or keeping them parallel to your body.
- Breathe deeply and stay in this pose for 1 to 3 minutes, or up to an hour if you feel the need.
2. Cat and Cow Pose (Marjaryasana and Bitilasana)
This exercise is excellent for stretching and warming up the spine after sitting for a long time.
Instructions :
(see photo)
- Start on all fours with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.
- As you inhale, lower your belly toward the floor, lift your head and tailbone (cow pose).
- As you exhale, round your back toward the ceiling and tuck your chin toward your chest (cat pose).
- Repeat this sequence 5 to 10 times in sync with your breathing, starting by looking to the left on the first repetition, placing each hand firmly on the mat.
3. Legs Against the Wall Pose (Viparita Karani)
This inverted pose is perfect for reducing leg swelling and improving blood flow after a long ride.
Instructions :
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- Lie down with your shoulders pressed to the floor and your back against a wall.
- Lift your legs and place them against the wall, with your buttocks touching or slightly away from the wall.
- Extend your arms out to the sides or place them on your stomach.
- Breathe deeply and stay in this position for 5 to 15 minutes.
4. Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)
This pose is great for stretching the hips and gluteal muscles, which often feel tight after sitting for long periods of time.
Instructions :
(see photo)
- Start in a plank position, then bring your right knee toward your right wrist.
- Stretch your left leg behind you and lower your hips toward the floor, feeling the stretch along your right thigh.
- Keep your shoulders aligned and relaxed as you hold the pose, stretching each side of your body well.
- You should feel a deep stretch in your left thigh as you switch sides.
Conclusion
Practicing yoga after a trip is a great way to relax and rejuvenate. Incorporating these asanas into your post-travel routine can help your body recover from stress and fatigue, making it easier to get back into shape and moving again. So, this summer, take the time to roll out your mat and treat yourself to a well-deserved session to get you back on track!
Don't forget to check out our website for more tips and tutorials on yoga and wellness. Happy holidays and happy practicing!