Greetings!
Let’s talk about three super-easy ways to move your body to feel balanced and grounded – fast!
Ok, they are yoga poses. If you haven’t tried yoga or just don’t like yoga, no worries – I get that. Yoga is not everyone’s cup of tea.
But these three movements don’t require any yoga experience at all. You also don’t need to be flexible or in great shape, or even be remotely interested in yoga. Best of all: doing these exercises for no more than five minutes a day can give you some really great mind-body health benefits.
So, here they are (along with their Sanskrit names):
Mountain Pose (Tadasana):
This pose is also called a mindful standing meditation. Simply stand with your feet hip-width apart, hands by your sides with your palms facing inward or forward, and close your eyes. Breathe slowly and deeply, notice the sensations in your body as you maintain your balance. This exercise promotes mindfulness, reduces stress and fosters mental clarity.
Tree Pose (Vrikshasana):
Tree pose is an excellent way to challenge your physical balance while enhancing your mental focus. It’s very easy to do: just stand on one leg and place the sole of the other foot on your inner calf or ankle, and if you’re balance is good, you can place your foot higher up on your inner thigh. Even if you start with keeping your foot on your ankle as you hobble and find your balance, it’s all good! Your hands can be folded in prayer position in front of your chest or you can raise your arms above your head, palms facing inwards. Then switch legs and repeat the exercise. As you practice tree pose and build up to holding it for a minute on each leg, you’re improving your balance, your mind sharpens and gains clarity, and you gain a feeling of inner peace.
Child’s Pose (Balasana):
This is the perfect pose when you need to retreat into stillness. Kneel on the floor, sit back on your heels and reach your arms forward or by your side. Rest your forehead on a pillow or the ground, if you have the flexibility. This gentle pose releases tension and invites mental clarity, making it an ideal choice for moments of reflection and inner peace.
BONUS Tip: Stand on Your Toes Like a Ballerina
Yes, this simple exercise involves standing on your tip toes for a few seconds, maybe just a couple of seconds. It strengthens your calf muscles, foot arches and lower back, and it instantly clears your mind as you concentrate on balancing, and nothing else. If you’re not able to stand on your toes, you could have tight calf muscles, flat feet, fallen arches, ankle pain or another foot issue. Consult with your healthcare provider before trying this exercise for appropriate advice.
Why Are Balance, Flexibility and Coordination Important to Maintain?
You know the saying: if you don’t use it, you lose it, right?
Well, it’s true.
If you don’t work on moving your body daily in ways that focus on improving balance and coordination, it could impair your mind-body health on many levels as you get older. For example, you could become more prone to falls and injuries. Good balance, flexibility and coordination support mobility and independence as we age. And they are essential for cognitive health: they engage the brain in motor planning and problem-solving. Lastly, good balance and coordination contribute to overall physical well-being and a sense of grounding, reducing the risk of muscle atrophy and other health issues.
So, if you’re looking to ground yourself, why not give one of these exercises a try? Or try all of them.
Have some fun, let your focus on finding physical balance, flexibility and coordination serve to clear your mind, be in the present moment, and just relax. And then try them again tomorrow.
Looking with a little help with sticking to a physical fitness routine? Schedule a free lifestyle coaching session with me here.
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