The food is irresistible. The smells are tantalizing. The meal and conversation are lively. Sometimes, however, Thanksgiving can lead to extra stress and digestive discomfort (you know what I’m talking about!). Here are 5 SIMPLE poses that will help relax and stimulate your digestive system to make this Thanksgiving more enjoyable. I would recommend waiting at least 2 hours after you eat before practicing these.
1) Triangle (Trikonasana) pose stimulates our digestive system by twisting our abdomen and opening up our side body, providing more space for our digestive organs. It relieves stress as well. A two-for-one pose! As you make your way into this pose, open up your side body and hip towards the sky allowing your ribs to “fan out.” Only lower your hand down as far as your body allows without collapsing your shoulder and chest towards the earth. Take 3 to 5 deep belly breaths. Repeat on both sides.
2) Supine Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana) pose “twists” out all the old by stimulating waste removal, just like twisting out a dishrag. This pose can be held for as long or as little as is comfortable. Once the twist is released, fresh blood, which carries oxygen and nutrients, is sent to the abdominal area to support healthy digestion. Dog kisses not always included. 🙂
3) Knee to chest (apanasana) pose is easy to do. Hug your knee into your chest and lengthen the straight leg creating as much distance between your knee cap and opposite heal. This pose massages the abdominal organs. improves circulation, and educes bloating. It also reduces hip fat. Who knew? Stay in this pose as long as you are comfortable.
4) Child’s (Balasana) pose calms the brain and helps relieve fatigue and stress. If you are the one in the kitchen all day, this one is for you. You can keep knees together or spread them apart for tight hips. Let your gluts rest back on your calves (if you have tight knees or hips, put a blanket or blocks between your hamstrings and calves). Settle your forehead on your mat, reach your arms forward, and relax. Close your eyes and notice your breath as you draw it deep into your belly. Each time you exhale, release any tension, stress, or gripping you may be feeling in your body and mind. Stay here as long as you like!
5) Corpse (Sivasana) pose is everybody’s favorite! This pose calms the mind and nervous system, aiding in digestion. It reduces stress and helps lower blood pressure. Another pose that you are welcome to stay in as long as you like. Keep your awareness on your breath to keep your mind from wandering. Feel your belly rise and fall as you draw your breath deep into your core. Try to balance your inhales with your exhales for balanced breathing. But above all, just relax.
Photo cred to my amazing and patient hubby!Happy Thanksgiving!
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These are my opinions and not meant to take the place of professional advice. Please consult with your doctor before participating in this or any other exercise.