You can prepare for the chaos of the holidays by addressing and releasing your emotions through hip opening. There are lots of fun variations to this pose, including back-bends (for awakening) and sitting upright (for strength). Play with it. Have fun, enjoy and share!

how to get into half pigeon pose and enjoy the holidays

Half pigeon pose is wonderful because it stretches the thighs, groins, psoas, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and the neck. It is also known to stimulate abdominal organs (which is needed this time of year), and helps to open your chest and shoulders.

Step 1: Start in a low lunge, right foot forward, back knee down.

Step 2: Walk your right foot to the left, relaxing your knee and outer shin to the mat.

Step 3: Sit up tall and square the hips.

Optional: If your hips are uneven, place a block or blanket under the right hip.

For advanced practitioners: Reach around to capture your foot to move into a back-bend, which also adds an intense release of your hips and thighs.

Last but not least: Adding a forward bend to your pigeon can also help you to relax. Forward bends turn on our parasympathetic nervous system (rest & digest) and are considered cooling, calming poses.

Repeat on the other leg and keep the peace this holiday season. Namaste.

What yoga poses and exercises are keeping you calm, centered and balanced this season?