Yoga: Long Spine, Open Heart
Long-haul covid has not improved my posture, and I’m guessing it hasn’t helped yours either. It’s natural to slump when we feel unwell—especially since bedrest weakens postural muscles. Healing our posture is unlikely to heal the full ensemble of long-haul symptoms, but it can help. Lengthening the spine and holding the head in its proper position gives our lungs more space in which to expand. It can even boost your mood, stimulate the vagus nerve, and help improve blood flow to the brain! I’ve been playing around with a few simple stretches that help me tune into my body position and release tension from my neck and midback. I’ve been surprised by how good it feels! I hope you’ll enjoy this gentle posture-oriented practice. As always, I welcome feedback and requests!