By Therese Pope
You don't have to participate in an hour yoga class in order to get the full benefits of yoga. Here are some simple yoga exercises that you can incorporate into your busy day. If you have a few minutes, yoga is a great way to stretch before or after your hectic day.
I used to be a crazed non-profiteer fundraiser and yoga helped me to release the tension from my day. When you take a few minutes to practice yoga at the end of your day, you'll feel more relaxed (and you'll sleep better).
These three simple yoga poses will fit into any busy woman's daily exercise routine and you will feel more energized and relaxed, and your body will thank you!
• Seated relaxation pose: Sit cross-legged on the floor holding your palms together in namaste pose (at heart center). Close your eyes. Breathe in deeply through your nostrils to the count of three and exhale deeply through your nostrils to the count of three. Repeat breathing exercise twice.
• Standing forward fold pose: Stand up with your feet together. Bend from the waist and slowly fold your body forward until your hands (or fingertips) are touching the floor. This pose really helps release tension in your back (especially your lower back).
• Modified back bend pose: Stand with your feet together. Place your hands behind your back so your palms rest at your lower back (your sacrum). Tilt your head up slightly (look up towards the ceiling) and slowly arch your spine. Do not overextend your back. You want to arch your back just
slightly. You'll feel the stretch in your lower back (this exercise feels great after you've been sitting at a desk all day).
Note: If you have any medical conditions, consult a physician before you attempt these yoga exercises.