FITNESS GAL'S 12 Days of Fitness Day 5: Calm It Down

By Delaina Dixon | December 18, 2010 | Entertainment

Follow Me on Twitter: KinaGirl

ItΓÇÖs getting down to the wire as there are only seven days left till Christmas!

For most of you, your holiday shopping is done — the gifts are bought, wrapped and securely tucked away, nicely done.

For the rest of us stressed-out, beat the clock, last minute shoppers itΓÇÖs down to the wire, and SantaΓÇÖs red suit isnΓÇÖt the only thing thatΓÇÖs red. So are our eyes and throbbing feet! Our fingers are numb and our brains are probably dialed into a migraine: which Christmas card to get, what gift wrapping to use – aaahhhhh!

Ftiness Gal knows it will all be over soon, so to help me relax and de-stress, I love a nice relaxing cup of green tea for starters, but in my opinion nothing relaxes the body more than yoga. Two of my favorite yoga positions are the Upward Facing Dog, followed by the Downward Facing Dog.

Start by lying your body face down on the floor, hands just outside your shoulders. Use your arms to push up the top portion of your body as you arch your back and feel the stretch through your chest and spine. Hold for five to 15 breaths.

Curl your toes to the floor and using your arm and abs strength, push your butt to the ceiling so your body forms an inverted “V.” Keep pushing through your arms and stretch your heels to the floor as you breath in and out for several breaths. DonΓÇÖt be afraid to over-exaggerate your breathing, in through your nose and out through your mouth, and feel the stress leaving your body on each exhale.

Both positions act as whole body rejuvenating poses. They donΓÇÖt take much time and can be done at any time of day.

Despite this hectic shopping season we should not lose site of whatΓÇÖs important: protecting your health and keeping your sanity. A stressed out body is cold and flu seasonΓÇÖs best friend. A daily dose of Vitamin B helps me to de-stress, but check with your doctor first.

Make some “you” time, have a laugh, smile and find some enjoyment in all the crazed shopping madness. Till next timeΓÇª

Work It OutΓÇª No Matter What!!
Fitness Gal