With holidays around the corner, we all feel the temptation to ditch our daily routines for a period of relaxation and unhealthy eating.

Christmas brings so many treats to choose from that we forget all about our daily routines. We comfort ourselves thinking that we’ll exercise more and eat healthy in the New Year but I say, why not make a resolution before the new year? Why not make a resolution for Christmas?

What you need is not some strenuous yoga to stay healthy and prevent weight gain this Christmas. You need a mindful yoga routine to help you stay grounded and active. Yoga gives you that peace of mind essential to stay motivated and on track when it comes to exercise.

Deep breathing involved in yoga is in itself an exercise that helps your body detoxify. Yoga can be wonderful for staying in shape, especially during full winters when the idea of sweating turns us off from our daily workouts. 

Let’s look at some yoga asanas that you can do to stay in shape this Christmas & New Year.

Yoga Postures To Stay In Shape This Christmas

1. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

• Benefits: Stretches full body. Strengthens the core. Reduces belly fat and tones abs. 

Lie down on your stomach. Bend your knees, lifting your feet up in the air until you can hold onto your ankles with your hands. 

Make sure your knees are hip-width apart. Inhale deeply, lifting your chest and thighs off the floor. 

Hold this pose for 20 seconds and exhale as you relax.

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2. Halasana (Plow Pose)

• Benefits: Improves metabolism. Helps shed fat. 

Lie down with your back against the floor and hands on either sides. Raise your legs upwards until they are perpendicular to the floor.

Bend your arms and place your palms beneath your waist. With your hands, push your legs over your head till they are at 180° angle.

Attempt to touch the floor with your toes. Hold this position for a few seconds.

3. Balasana (Child’s Pose)

• Benefits: Reduces fat from the midsection. Stretches hips, thighs, and ankles.

Sit with your knees bent and heels tucked under your seat. Place your knees hip-width apart. 

Bend forward and lay your torso between your thighs. Swing your arms forward. 

Stay in this position for a couple of minutes.

4. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

• Benefits: Reduces fat in the stomach region. Flattens belly. 

Lie flat on your stomach, face down. Keep your hands beside your rib cage with palms flat on the ground. 

Press your palms into the floor and inhale deeply as you lift your upper body (head, neck, shoulders, and upper chest – till the navel region) off the ground. 

Keep your breathing normal and steady. Hold this position for 30 seconds. 

5. Garudasana (Eagle Pose)

• Benefits: Tones thighs, legs, and arms. Improves flexibility.

Stand straight and bend your knees. Raise your left foot and cross it to wrap your right knee with your left leg. 

Bring your arms in front and twist your right arm over the left one, bending your elbows. Join your palms together. 

Keep your gaze focused on the front and hold this position for a few seconds. Slowly relax your hands first and then your legs. 

A daily yoga practice, especially in the morning, is the most effective way to achieve a healthy lifestyle. It will help you listen to your own body and even make your body crave only that which is good for you. Such is the miracle of yoga.

Also Read – Face Yoga: 5 Exercises For A Youthful Looking Face