IF YOU DO ONE THING TODAY... DO THE RAGDOLL

Do you feel overwhelmed? A bit anxious? Take two minutes out and try this calming yoga pose, known as Uttanasana or Ragdoll.

It is a fantastic stretch, helping to lengthen hamstrings and calves as well as mobilising the shoulders and releasing neck tension.

1

Stand with hands on hips, ideally bare-foot (hip-width apart) and with toes pointing in. Roll forward from the hip joints – not the waist – with a straight back.

2

Cross your arms to hold the opposite elbows. Keep knees slightly bent or straight – whichever is most comfortable. Press your heels into the floor and tilt your pelvis forwards to stop the lower back curving too much.

3

Allow your upper body to become limp and your head to hang freely. Visualise your neck relaxing from between the shoulder blades.

4

Inhale and exhale slowly – and listen to your shoulders creaking as they stretch out.

5

Switch hands to hold the opposite elbows and gently move your head from side to side. Your neck may feel stiff or sore, but slowly moving it like this will loosen it for the whole day. Then sway from side to side, but only as much as feels right.

6

Return to centre and take in the stillness. Move hands to hips, and with a straight back come up from the hips. Feel your shoulders edge downwards, bring your head to centre and imagine a piece of string pulling you up from the top of your head.