When last night’s happy hour got a bit too happy and went on a little longer than 60 minutes, make sure you take things slow and arrive at class showered and hydrated, ready to sweat off some of the toxins. We believe a Yoga practice should accept all of life’s experiences so you won’t get any judgement from us if you need to take it easy on a Sunday morning.
By focusing on these gentle Yoga poses you can go a long way towards minimising your suffering and speeding up the recovery process for the morning after the night before. Promise.
RECLINED TWIST (JATHARA PARIVARTANASANA)
This pose is a great stretch for your spine and especially for your lower back. The simple support of a bolster under your knees can be even more nourishing when you’re not feeling your best. It allows you to create a really gentle compression through your abdominals. It also gently compresses the digestive system. This helps to release any congestion in the abdominal area and stimulates the function of the abdominal organs. This all helps you to get rid of the waste products that the body has built up from that one-too-many glasses of wine.
CHILD’S POSE (BALASANA)
This gives another gentle stretch to the spine, as well as working the shoulders and giving the hips a good stretch. It also enhances the circulation of lymph, one of the body’s main ways of reducing metabolic waste. Use props under the hips or the head if you need more support to feel comfortable.
LEGS-UP-THE-WALL (VIAPREETA KARANI)
Legs-up-the-wall will not only help reduce bloating, but it’s a great natural pain reliever when it comes to cramps, stomach ache and migraine. It also helps to reduce anxiety, which can definitely exacerbate those conditions associated with being hungover. Use a blanket to create support for your tailbone as you bring your legs up the wall and relax your body, close your eyes and breathe.
BOAT POSE (NAVASANA)
This is a great pose to test your abdominal strength, which can be compromised due to inebriation. It also enhances balance and digestion. It enables your body to jump-start its metabolism and speed up the detoxification process by stimulating the intestines, thyroid, kidneys and prostate.
RECLINED BOUND ANGLE (SUPTA BADDHA KONASANA)
This is another wonderful posture for easing digestion and bloating. Close your eyes and relax in this position for as long as you comfortably can.