The hectic nature of the holidays can get to even the most practiced yogi. The problem is that stress is more than just a mental worry. It manifests itself in physical ways and attacks our overall health and wellbeing.
But with daily practice, we can keep our inner peace intact and truly enjoy the holidays.

1. ADHO MUKHA SVASANA (DOWNWARD FACING DOG)
This standing pose can help relieve stress by calming the brain and energizing the body.

2. UTTHITA DANDASANA (PLANK)
Planks strengthen the abdomen, wrists, arms, shoulders and spine. They also help loosen muscle groups that contribute to stress.

3. DHANURASANA (BOW POSE)
This deep backbend opens the chest to help improve respiratory function and relieve stress.

4. UTTANASANA (STANDING FORWARD BEND)
This power yoga move releases the head and neck to stretch the spine and relieve tension.

5. BHARADVAJA’S TWIST
This gentle twist invigorates the body while stretching the spine. 

6. BALASANA (CHILD POSE)
This relaxing pose helps calm the mind and rejuvenate the body. 

7. GARUDASANA (EAGLE POSE)
The eagle pose helps to ward off stress by improving focus and balance.

8. VAJRASANA VARIATION (THUNDERBOLT POSE)
This seated meditation pose helps clear the mind and relieve stress, having a very calming effect on the mind and body.

9. MARJARIASANA (CAT STRETCH)
Bringing flexibility and strength to the spine, wrists and shoulders, the cat stretch pose helps to relax the mind. 

10. STANDING SIDE STRETCH
This simple stretch stretches the muscles that surround the ribcage and help the lungs take in more oxygen.

11. PASCHIMOTTANASANA (SEATED FORWARD BEND)
This calming yoga pose helps relieve stress and is often practiced later in a sequence when the body is warm.
 
12. HALASANA (PLOW POSE)
This pose prepares the body and mind for deep rejuvenation. 

13. MATSYASANA (SUPPORTED FISH POSE)
This chest-opening pose provides a deep stretch for the intercostal muscles between the ribs. 

14. ASHTANGASANA (8-LIMBED POSE)
This rejuvenating pose stretches the neck and shoulders and lengthens the spine.

15. SETU BANDHASANA (BRIDGE POSE)
Breathe and relax as you stretch your back with the bridge pose. 

16. SAVASANA (CORPSE POSE)
This is often called the most difficult yoga pose because it is practiced more with the mind than body. 

17. UTTHITA TRIKONASA (TRIANGLE POSE)
Focus on foot position and stretch as you breathe and feel a sense of calm. 

18. UTTANA SHISHOSANA (EXTENDED PUPPY POSE)
Stretch your spine and shoulders as you extend into puppy pose. 

19. VIPARITA KARANI (LEGS UP THE WALL POSE)
This mild restorative pose offers a gentle inversion that will help ease the mind. 

20. MAKARASANA (DOLPHIN POSE)
This intermediate pose is great for improving flexibility in the body and mind. 

21. CHAKRAVAKASANA (COW POSE)
This basic pose improves spinal flexibility and abdominal strength. 

22. JANU SIRSASANA (HEAD-TO-KNEE FORWARD BEND)
To encourage relaxation, hinge your hips as you lengthen your legs and back. 

23. BHUJANGA (COBRA POSE)
Take a deep breath as you open your chest in a full cobra pose.
 
24. ANJALI MUDRA (SALUTATION POSE)
Flexing your hands releases tension as you calm your mind.
 
25. SUKHASANA (EASY POSE)
As its name implies, it is an easy pose, but the challenge lies in clearing the mind.

If you are mindful and practice at least one pose a day, the 25 days of Christmas will surely receive a dose of clarity. Now you should be ready to handle anything that comes your way.