4 Stress-Relieving Restorative Yoga Poses to Get You Through the Holidays (VIDEO)

We all know that the holidays can be a tremendously busy time of year. With travel, changes in our diet and sleeping patterns topped off by time spent with family (who may love us unconditionally, but can still push our buttons!), stress can be at an all-time high. While there are many mindfulness techniques to helps us remain calm and centered, sometimes the best “treatment” is through the body.

This is where restorative yoga poses work their magic. The goal is to remain in the postures — supported by props — for as long as we possibly can. Five to fifteen minutes per pose would be ideal! When we linger in the poses, it allows the mud in our minds to settle and the waters to become clear again. The postures can do their work on us while we rest and heal, which boosts the immune system and calms the nervous system.

Props you’ll need:

• One bolster (or 2-3 large pillows, folded blankets or the cushion off your couch)
• 3 Yoga blocks (or 2 large books and a chair)
• 2 Blankets (or a pillow and 2 yoga blocks)

And for those who like to know ahead of time, here is the list of postures:

• Uttanasana :: Standing Forward Fold (Head Supported)
• Balasana :: Child’s Pose (Over a bolster)
• Supda Bharadvajasana :: Reclining Twist (Over a bolster)
• Supda Baddha Konasana :: Reclining Bound Angle Pose (On a bolster, knees supported)