5 ways yoga can help you keep your cool

AS MUCH as many of us enjoy travelling, it can be stressful.

It disrupts our routine, time zone differences can interrupt our sleep patterns, and simply being in a new location can push us out of our comfort zone. Anxiety begins to creep in at this point.

Jenil Dholakia, a holistic yoga and well-being coach, shares five ways in which yoga can help us manage our travel anxiety:

Take deep breaths

Allow breathing to be your best friend before and during your journey. Remember to take deep belly breaths whenever you feel overwhelmed. Deeply inhale through the nose and slowly exhale through the mouth. Yoga on the go

Long flights and car/bus rides can cause stiffness and soreness. Stretches and poses for stress relief include neck rolls to the left and right, shoulder rotations clockwise and anticlockwise, spinal stretches – lateral and twisting, seated marjariasana/cat pose, Uttanasana/standing forward fold, and Adho mukha svanasana/downward facing dog pose.

Mindful mornings

Set aside at least 10 minutes each morning to sit in silence. Close your eyes and bring your attention to the present. This will help calm your thoughts. You can conclude the meditation by saying aloud: “I am ready to face the day and I choose to go with the flow.” This will train your subconscious mind to be mindful all day.

Viparaita Karni/legs up the wall pose

This is a great pose to jump into when you’re exhausted, especially if

your legs are tired from all the walking. Lie on your back on the floor and raise your legs to form a capital L shape against the wall. If you hold this pose for 5 minutes before going to bed, you will fall asleep like a baby.

Nature connection

Spending time in nature is one of the most healing things you can do. Spend some time outside your daily routine, in a park or nature. Turn off your phone and surrender with all of your senses. See the colours and patterns around you, listen to the sounds, smell the fragrances of the flowers and trees, touch the soft grass and leaves, and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. Allow nature to heal, recharge and uplift you. | IANS