Traveling can be a fantastic way to recharge and refresh, but it can also take a toll on your body. Long flights, train rides, and car trips can leave you feeling stiff, sore, and fatigued.
Fortunately, yoga can help ease travel fatigue and leave you feeling energized and rejuvenated. Here are 10 yoga poses to try on your next journey:.
1. Seated Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
Sitting for long periods can wreak havoc on your spine. The seated spinal twist helps to alleviate tension in the back and stretch the shoulders and neck. Begin by sitting cross-legged and placing your left hand on your right knee.
Inhale and lengthen your spine, and then exhale and twist to the right, using your hand on the knee to gently deepen the twist. Hold for a few breaths, then inhale to release and repeat on the other side.
2. Cat and Cow Stretches
Cat and cow stretches are great for releasing tension in the spine and neck. Begin on your hands and knees, with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your tailbone and head.
Exhale and round your spine, tucking your chin to your chest. Move slowly back and forth between the two poses, syncing your breath with your movement.
3. Forward Fold (Uttanasana)
Forward folds are great for stretching the hamstrings and relieving tension in the lower back. Begin standing with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale and lift your arms overhead, then exhale and fold forward, hinging at the hips.
You can bend your knees if needed. Hold for a few breaths, then inhale to rise back up.
4. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Downward-facing dog is a classic yoga pose that stretches the back, hamstrings, and calves. Begin on your hands and knees, with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.
Exhale and tuck your toes, lifting your hips up and back to form an inverted V shape. Spread your fingers wide and press your palms into the mat. Hold for a few breaths, then release.
5. Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana)
Standing forward bend is another great pose for stretching the hamstrings and relieving tension in the lower back. Begin standing with your feet hip-width apart. Exhale and fold forward, hinging at the hips. You can bend your knees if needed.
Let your head hang and breathe deeply. Hold for a few breaths, then inhale to rise back up.
6. Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)
Warrior II is a powerful pose that can help you feel strong and grounded. Begin standing with your feet hip-width apart. Step your left foot back and turn it out to a 90-degree angle.
Bend your right knee and extend your arms out to the sides, parallel to the floor. Gaze over your right hand and breathe deeply. Hold for a few breaths, then switch sides.
7. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)
Tree pose is a balancing pose that can help you feel centered and focused. Begin standing with your feet hip-width apart. Shift your weight onto your left foot and bring your right foot to rest on your left calf or thigh.
Press your foot into your leg and bring your hands together in front of your heart. Hold for a few breaths, then switch sides.
8. Child’s Pose (Balasana)
Child’s pose is a gentle resting pose that can help you feel calm and relaxed. Begin on your hands and knees, with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Lower your hips back to your heels and stretch your arms forward.
Rest your forehead on the mat and breathe deeply. Hold for a few breaths, then rise back up.
9. Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani)
Legs-up-the-wall pose is a restorative pose that can help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Sit with your right hip against a wall and swing your legs up the wall as you lie back on the floor. Your hips should be as close to the wall as possible.
Let your arms rest by your sides and breathe deeply. Hold for a few minutes, then gently roll to one side to come out of the pose.
10. Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Corpse pose is the ultimate relaxation pose and can help you let go of any tension or stress. Lie flat on your back with your arms by your sides. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Let your body relax fully into the mat.
Hold for as long as you like, then gently roll to one side to come out of the pose.