Diabetes and De-stressing: Three Easy Yoga Poses

All illnesses, including diabetes, are exacerbated by stress and muscular tension, so we need simple ways to incorporate relaxation into our lives.

Here is a series of three calming yoga poses that can easily be sandwiched between tasks at home, or in the office.

Three Relaxing Yoga Poses

The first pose calms and balances the mind. The second gets our energy moving and releases tension in the shoulders, spine, and heart area. The third pose melts away anxiety and stress.

Naturally, you will check with your doctor before engaging in a new type of exercise if you are out of shape, have spine or joint difficulties, or chronic illnesses.

1. Equal Standing Pose (Tadasana)

• Stand tall with toes pointing forward, and feet hip-distance apart - your weight distributed evenly.
• Unlock your knees by bending them - very slightly; put the palms of your hands together in front of your heart area.
• Close your eyes; take five slow, deep breaths.

2. Hands To Sky (Urdhva Hastasana)

• From the Equal Standing pose, inhale and stretch your arms straight up from the shoulders, palms facing each other, and fingertips pointing to the sky.
• Spread the fingers wide; look straight ahead, or slightly upward if it feels comfortable.
• Hold the pose as you take five slow, deep breaths.

3. Forward Fold (Uttanasana)

• From the Hands To Sky position, exhale as you bend forward from your hips, keeping a slight arch in your back as you fold to avoid lower back strain.
• Rest your hands on the floor, or on your shins, or the backs of your thighs, or clasp opposite elbows with your hands. Let the tension drain from your head, neck, and upper torso.
• Close your eyes; take five slow, deep breaths; then arch your back slightly as you unfold to a standing position.

Enjoying this three-minute yoga break throughout each day is a simple, pleasurable way to relax the body and quiet the mind. For even deeper relaxation and restorative benefit, hold each pose for seven to ten breaths.

Source: Chopra
Photo credit: distelfliege