Tree Pose

Benefits:

• Strengthens the ankles, calves and thighs

• Improves balance

• Opens the shoulders, chest and hips

• Improves circulation

• Improves concentration

• Calming - relieves anxiety

Steps:

• Start standing with your feet parallel and about hip width apart

• Put your weight onto your left foot, spread your toes, pressing down into the floor

• Bring the sole of your right foot to your left thigh (if you find that difficult, bring your foot to your calf or ankle)

• Draw your right knee back, so you are open through your hips

• Bring your hands to your heart or out to your sides

• Reach up through the top of your head, getting long, bringing your hips even

• Focus on your breath, taking 4-5 slow breaths in this position

• Variation: raise your hands over head, keeping your palms together

• Drop your foot down to come back to standing

• Repeat on the other side