With the furore of the festive season upon us, it’s time to hit pause on much in the way of downtime – even if the latest Covid variant isn’t seeing as socialising as much as we’d hoped. Consider giving yourself the gift of yoga, as a daily flow will help the seasonal merriment swing with ease.

FORWARD BENDS FOR CHRISTMAS CALM

With so much going on, ’tis quite honestly the season to be stressed. Helping to lower blood pressure, relieve headaches and promote relaxation, forward bends are brilliant for when you just need to release that tension. Poses like Seated Forward Bend and Standing Forward Bend will soothe your mind and help your body unwind.

BALANCES TO GAIN SEASONAL STABILITY 

December can feel discombobulating – so defy the confusion by finding focus within your mind. Calming and centering, balancing poses are essential in helping us to tune out distractions. Requiring complete muscle engagement and balance, Tree Pose will help root you back peacefully into the present.

BACKBENDS TO FIGHT FATIGUE 

When energy levels dip, getting bendy could help stave off burnout. Backbends have an energising effect, helping to increase blood flow to the brain, and – by opening up the chest – allowing the lungs to take in more oxygen. Poses such as Upward-Facing Dog could give your brain the boost it needs before that family game of Monopoly.