Whether you’re moving across town, across the country, or across the world, your body is going to feel the effects, but you can still practice yoga during a move. Take these five poses with you, and feel less stressed, both mentally and physically.
Eagle Arms (Garudasana)
Lifting heavy moving boxes and sleeping on sub-par hotel pillows? This pose will stretch and relax your neck and shoulders.
Raise both arms to 90-degree angles, so your fingertips are pointing upward. Cross your left arm underneath your right so that your elbows are entwined. Then, move your left hand toward your face to wrap around and meet your left palm to your right palm (at least as close as you can). Press your elbows together, your palms together, and gently raise your fingertips toward the sky. Slightly tuck your chin toward your chest, keeping your arms aligned with your face. Repeat with your right arm underneath.
Eye of the Needle (Sucirandhrasana)
This pose is great for your lower back, sciatica pain, hips, and glutes — especially after being cramped in a car or an airplane for hours at a time.
Lie down with your knees up and soles of your feet on the floor. Place your right ankle on top of your left knee and flex your right foot. Thread your right arm through the gap between your legs and bring your left hand around to meet it. Clasp your hands behind your left hamstring. Pull your left leg in toward your chest. For an extra stretch, carefully use your right elbow to push against your right knee. Repeat with the other leg.
Supine Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)
This pose lengthens, relaxes, and realigns the spine while massaging your abdominal organs and stretching your back and hips.
First, lie on your back with your legs straight. Draw your left knee into your chest, keeping your right leg on the floor. Extend your left arm to your side at shoulder-height with your palm facing down. Shift your hips slightly to the left. Next, place your right hand on the outside of your left knee. Slowly drop your left knee over the right side of your body. Turn your head to the left, protecting your spine. Keep your shoulder blades on the floor and away from your ears. Breathe and allow gravity to deepen your stretch. Slowly bring your left knee back to your chest and release it back down to meet your right leg. Repeat on the other side.
Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Hunched over in your car or over your laptop searching Zillow for rentals for hours at a time? Try this pose to fight “slumpy-posture syndrome” while also energizing your entire body.
Begin on your hands and knees, with your wrists in line with your shoulders and your knees in line with your hips. Tuck your toes under and lift your knees off the ground. Push your pelvis toward the ceiling, then back toward the wall behind you. Straighten your legs, but do not lock your knees. Press the floor away from you as you lift through your pelvis while pressing your heels down toward the ground. Bring your chest toward your thighs, allowing your spine to lengthen and decompress. Relax your head between your arms, looking between your legs. Breathe. Then breathe again.
Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Allow this pose to clear the mental chatter of PCS season, and help your worries fade away. Use this time to bring awareness to your body and submit to rejuvenation.
While lying on your back, extend your legs straight and position your arms by your sides, with your palms facing up. Allow your feet to fall open. Close your eyes. Allow your body to breathe naturally while you feel your body sink into the ground. Starting with your toes and making your way to the top of your crown, consciously release every muscle in your body. Choose an intention or mantra — for example: “I am enough,” or inhale “peace,” and exhale “positivity.”
To come out of Savasana, first bring subtle movements back to your body. Start by wiggling your fingers and toes, then moving your head from side to side. Slowly roll your body onto one side, and then gently press yourself into a comfortable seated position, letting your head be the last thing to rise.
PCS season may be stressful, but who says you can’t squeeze in a little you-time and yoga during a move? We at Daily Mom Military hope these yoga poses bring relaxation, healing, and peace to your body.
Namaste, warrior mamas.
Photo Credits: Renee Dolan Photography
