School is out and summer has begun (for most of you) – which means there is more time for YOU!
What better way to start each day then with a calming yoga and mindfulness sequence? Try this short (just 6 minutes) one from our AmaZEN U video library (Calm Standing amaZEN Mix).
Stand tall and place your hand on a chair.
Shift weight into your right leg. Breathe in deeply.
Rest the bottom of your left foot on your right shin. Tree pose. Stay here for 3-5 breaths.
For an extra challenge, move your left foot up to your right thigh (do not rest your foot on your knee), and reach one arm over head like a branch. Move both arms above your head if you are up to it! Breathe.
Release your arms and foot to the floor.
Repeat the above sequence on your other side. Don’t forget to breathe.
Balancing poses help calm your mind by focusing your attention. You can also sub in your favorite balancing pose, such as Half Moon pose or Eagle pose.
Now follow up your balancing pose with a short mindfulness or breathing exercise to help calm your mind.
Listen to a waves or nature sound app on your phone.
Relax your body and sit with your feet flat on the floor.
Close your eyes.
Breathe slowly and deeply through your nose as you count to three.
Exhale through your mouth as you count to three.
Breathe this way for several rounds, while you imagine yourself at a beach or other nature location.
Think about the way the environment would feel around you, and the sounds you would hear.
Remember to continue breathing deeply to the count of three.
Slowly bring your mind back to the room around you.
Wiggle your fingers and toes.
Open your eyes and notice how relaxed and calm you feel. Take that feeling with you as you go through the rest of your day!
If you liked this exercise, you’ll love the other nearly 100 other videos AmaZEN U has to offer. Sign up for your FREE trial today.