Five yoga poses to keep cool and collected this holiday season

As we decorate the tree, light up the house and clean up for friends and family around the holiday season, it's good to set a little routine that keeps us grounded and centred amidst the holiday chaos. Try practicing these yoga postures to keep you feeling calm and collected this Christmas!

1. Need energy? Flow through a Sun Salutation or two, or get upside down… A headstand, handstand, wheel, or waterfall will do the trick!

2. Need to get through a tough conversation with a relative or colleague? Stand in Tadasana just rest your arms so you don’t look stiff - ha-ha! Mountain pose (Tadasana) is a grounded, strong position that allows us to feel connected to ourselves and others.

3. Too many sweets? Try a twist lying on your back for a gentle approach or a standing variation pose like Utkatasana (Chair Pose with a twist!) This will twist your spine and help to wring out unwanted toxins!

4. Need to calm down after your Christmas party? Lie down with your legs up the wall and place one hand on your chest and one hand on your belly.  Slowly notice the rise and fall of your hands as you begin to deepen your breath.

5. Trouble falling asleep after the big day? Lie down on your back (preferably in bed) in Savasana or Corpse pose. Start by tightening every single muscle in your body one by one from the crown of your head to your toes. Then release the tension starting at your toes all the way back up your body until you soften the crown of your head. Go slow and try to picture each body part along the journey.

​Keep calm, and paddle on! Happy holidays!

Kate Watson is on the Paiwen Girl Paddleboard Team and is Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Neumovement, a wellness community inspired by integrating movement practitioners, instructors and modalities to heal your body, mind and spirit.