December is such a busy time – It’s a month of parties, presents and prepping for the new year! It’s always important to remember to stay balanced during the holiday season. Balance poses in yoga help to improve your focus and coordination as well as relieve stress. They are just what we need to concentrate on during the holidays. Here are four of my favorite balance poses to work on this month – Comment below to add yours!

Tree pose

This pose is probably the most famous yoga pose, and there are so many reasons why we keep coming back. Tree pose gives you a strong sense of balance as well as strengthens the thighs, ankles and spine. I always know where I am mentally in a yoga class when I do both sides of Tree pose. If I am unable to hold my balance in this posture, I know my mind is wandering and I should come back to counting my breath.

Eagle pose

I love all the twists and turns of Eagle pose. This pose strengthens the arms and legs and increases the circulation in all joints. You may feel a bit like a pretzel while holding the pose, but I like to think that the challenging twists take this balance pose to the next level.

Side plank

Balance and core strength – You love to see it! This pose has always been a difficult full body workout. Once you’ve got your balance, you have to keep your core activated to lift your body off the ground. A successful balance in a side plank will feel amazing afterwards.

Dancer pose

No list of balance poses is complete without dancer pose. This essential balancing act works on flexibility, full body strength and coordination. The challenge of this pose is to keep from wobbling – Although, you are welcome to call it dancing if you’d like!

Have a wonderful holiday and stay balanced!

Written by Emily Parsons, Certified Let It Go Yoga teacher.

Want to know more about Let It Go Yoga? Start here with our Diaphragmatic Breathing Video!