BARBARA’S FEEL-GREAT POSES

Get it off your chest

It’s easy to feel stressed at this current time but that stress is often stored in our neck and shoulders. This stretch helps relieve it as well as stimulating blood flow to your head to revive dull skin and lacklustre hair.

STEP 1: Stand with your feet together and back straight. Interlock your hands behind your back and gently pull your shoulders back, straightening your arms.

STEP 2: Breathe in and lift the arms as high as possible behind your back, then breathe out as you slowly bend forwards with a flat back and straight legs into a forward bend. Relax and breathe normally, holding the position for a count of 5.

STEP 3: Breathe in and lift your head first, then slowly return to an upright position.

STEP 4: Gently bend backwards pulling your arms back down and under your bottom. Breathe out and hold for 5.

STEP 5: Inhale and return to an upright position, holding your arms up behind your back for an extra count of 2, and then relax.

Plane pose

Brilliant for toning and strengthening your arms, wrists and hands and releasing tension in your lower back.

STEP 1: Sit straight with your hands comfortably on the floor behind you with your fingertips facing backwards and your legs straight in front of you.

STEP 2: Breathe in and gently lift your body from the floor supporting your weight on your hands and feet. Ensure your body is in one straight line and your toes are on the floor. Allow your head to drop back slightly and hold for a count of 5 increasing to 10 with more practice.

STEP 3: Slowly lower your body to the floor, relax and repeat.

STEP 4: Lie down and cradle your knees to your chest, rocking gently from left to right to relax your lower back.