Deciding on a play list, choosing the menu, picking a dress, keeping appointments and everything else that’s involved with planning a wedding, brides-to-be have a lot of stress to contend with.
All of that stress can not only impact their mood, but it can also impact their outer beauty. There’s a way that brides can decompress from all the stress: yoga. Proven to reduce stress by calming the mind, reducing blood pressure and regulating breathing, yoga is an excellent practice for brides-to-be to engage in. And, on top of the stress reduction, yoga can also help future brides strengthen and tone their bodies so they will look fabulous on their wedding day.
You don’t have to be an advanced yogi to reap the benefits that this ancient practice provides.
Here’s a look at some simple, yet highly effective yoga poses that any future Mrs should incorporate into her daily routine.
Mountain Pose
This is the standard beginning position for all standing yoga poses. It helps you balance, allows you to focus on your breathing and it’s super simple.
- Stand up straight and bring your feet together so your big toes on each foot are touching, but your heels are slightly apart.
- Evenly distribute your weight throughout your feet.
- Hold your shoulders back and down and hang your arms by your torso with your hands facing forward.
- Close your eyes as you inhale and exhale, focusing on your breathing. Hold the pose for as long as you’d like.
With every breath you take, your mind will be calmed and you will feel more relaxed.
Standing Forward Bend
A resting pose, standing forward bend offers many benefits, including increased blood flow to the head. It can also help to relieve insomnia, ease headaches and reduce stress and anxiety.
- Stand with your feet positioned hip-width apart.
- Bend over at the hips and reach your arms down. If your hands don’t touch the floor, you can bend them and grab your opposite elbows (grab your left elbow with your right hand and your right elbow with your left hand).
- Keep your feet firmly planted into the ground and slowly inhale and exhale. Hold the pose for 30 seconds, or as long as you’d like.
You will feel relaxation sweep over you as you breathe and your legs will feel as if they are elongated.
Cat Cow Pose
This is a simple pose that is excellent for beginners. It enhances flexibility, strengthens the spine, works the abdominal muscles and eases back pain.
- Place your knees and hands on the floor, positioning your shoulders over your wrists and your hips over your knees.
- While inhaling, arch your back up, creating a cow pose.
- While you exhale, round your back, coming into the cat pose.
- Continue moving between both poses, keeping the flow of your breathing consistent as you do.
With each transfer from cat to cow, your lower back will be stretched, your spine will be elongated and you will feel your tension start to ease.
Downward Facing Dog
This is the quintessential yoga pose and is the core pose for many other poses. It may be a bit tricky at first, but with practice, you will improve your execution and hold the pose longer.
- Use your hands and your toes to push your body up off the floor and back into an inverted V-shape.
- Ensure your feet and hands are placed firmly on the ground, pressing your weight into your palms and the balls of your feet. If your heels don’t touch the ground, lift your hips up and press down as much as you can.
- Hold the pose for 6 breaths, or as long as you are comfortable.
Downward facing dog is an excellent pose for increasing strength, as it engages every part of the body. It boosts energy, reduces stiffness and improves circulation.
This basic yoga routine is an excellent way to reduce stress, tone your body and clear your mind. It’s an excellent way to keep your mind and your body in balance and prepare for your big day.
