Breathe, Release, Restore: 3 simple stretches to unwind after a long day

*Art and Yoga are intertwined in Gurpran’s life and each practice inspires the other.*

Let the waves and stars relax you at the end of your day.

Mixed media artist and Yoga teacher, Gurpran Rau treats us to a relaxing and mindful practise every Wednesday evening from her beautiful home studio space.

Gurpran’s class Breathe, Release, Restore focuses on key elements such as mindful movement, breath work, and visualisation techniques, intelligently sequenced to activate the parasympathetic nervous system - decreasing anxiety and bringing you into a state of bliss.

If you don’t have time for a 75-minute class every day, here are 3 simple stretches that allow oxygen to flow throughout your body after a long day:

Let the light shine in as you restore your mind and body

Sit in a comfortable seat, and lift your arms above your head. Feel your roots connect with the earth and your spine growing longer. Relax your shoulders, bringing them away from your ears. Hold for up to 6 breaths.

Reach for the stars as you unwind for the night

Place your left hand to the side of your left hip and reach up your right arm. As you exhale, anchor your right hip down and send your lifted arm over the head creating a side stretch. Look up to the lifted hand if this feels good. Hold for up to 6 breaths and switch sides.

Letting go as you breathe, release, restore

Place each hand on each knee and take Chin Mudra (hand position where your thumb and first finger are touching). Close the eyes or have a soft gaze. Start to scan your body noticing any sensations that arise. When you feel ready, without changing your natural breathing pattern, start counting your breath. Do this for at least 10 cycles (one cycle = inhale and exhale). Once you’ve finished, open the eyes (if they have been closed) and take some time to notice stillness before moving from this position.

Gurpran teaches her class on a Wednesday evening from 7-8:15pm, you can book in to join live and/or get the recording (which is available for 7 days after the class).