Set your wellness intentions for the new year by trying out some healthy habits—like a consistent yoga practice. These poses, curated by Sangeeta Vallabhan, a yoga instructor at the Connective online platform and Yoga Vida in New York City, should calm your mind and restore your energy. “All of these poses can help people feel more present in their body and will definitely move them in the direction of reducing stress and anxiety, as well as any sadness or anger,” she says.
Vallabhan suggests following this flow in a quiet space, with soft music. She also recommends going into the workout with the mindset that you’ll use this time to take care of yourself. “Move in a way that feels comfortable, without straining the body or your breath,” she says.
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Vallabhan first turned to yoga in college, and seven years ago she began to study trauma-informed yoga. She says she’s learned that slowing down her practice—doing smaller movements, paying attention to each inhale and exhale—and not having a tangible goal in mind (besides maybe getting grounded) can help deepen the mind-body connection and guide you through tough times. Use these poses to build a practice of your own at home.
Seated side bend
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Downward dog
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Extended side angle
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Triangle pose
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Warrior II
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Side plank
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Plank
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Restorative savasana
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