As a frequent traveler, we all have those days when we knot up, despite our best efforts. Repetitive stress injuries are common, painful and can be expensive. When you’re on your feet during a flight moving and stretching is a little easier than when you’re seated. Before you reach for the large bottle of pain reliever, try a few of these easy yoga poses. Hopefully, you’re next to someone that doesn’t mind a little zen next to them.
- Cat/Cow – This one is the best friend of anyone with lower back or sciatica pain. Place your hands on your thighs. As you inhale, draw your chest forward and your shoulders back. Look up. Exhale, round your spine and draw your shoulders forward. Look down toward your navel. Repeat 5 times.
- Seated twist. Place your right hand on your left knee or left armrest. Inhale, lengthen your spine. Exhale, twist to your left, drawing your left shoulder back. Look back over your left shoulder. Repeat on the other side.
- Neck rolls. Exhale, drop your right ear to your right shoulder, look down toward your chest. Inhale, drop left ear to left shoulder, look up. Repeat the other direction.
- Back and shoulder stretch. Interlace your fingers and turn your palms up. Inhale, reach your hands up toward the ceiling. Exhale, bend your elbows as your draw your right elbow to the right. Your left elbow will come behind your head. Inhale, straighten your arms and you reach your palms toward the ceiling. Repeat with the other side.
- Seated savasana. Close your eyes and let go of the noise and other distractions. When thoughts come to you, let them go.