Hangovers and yoga don’t really go together. Or at least that seems to be the conventional wisdom (you know, what with twisting your body into a pretzel and all that Downward Dogging). But then there was that one time our friend dragged us to a heated vinyasa flow at some ridiculous hour one morning (after one too many beverages involving vodka) and everything changed. As in, we literally sweat it out (on the mat, in front of everyone, #noshame) and left feeling 100% better and with the kind of flush you only get from 1) Tom Ford blusher or 2) a seriously good facial.
And since you’ve already drafted your OOOs in anticipation of heading home or on vacation, we figured you could use these do-anywhere (we know, but it’s true) moves from the instructors at Love Yoga – who, BTW, escaped the winter of their Montauk location to join the studio in always-sunny Venice (smart!). Which is basically the epitome of our “let’s move to California and open a yoga studio” dreams that we harp on about with our friends after, um… too many beverages involving vodka.
Credit: Renée Rodenkirchen via The Coveteur
Move #1: Stirring It Up From a Comfortable Seat
This is our favorite way to start practice and something that always feels good. If you are hungover, this is the perfect way to get everything moving. Find a comfortable cross-legged seat (we recommend sitting up on a block, blanket, pillow from the couch, etc.). Once you have your seat, close your eyes and with your hands on your knees, start to move around in a big circle. Your imagination becomes a big wooden spoon and your torso is the bowl; stir it up! You can stir wide and deep or you can make it more subtle. Experiment with different techniques. Go in one direction for 1 – 3 minutes and then switch. Marvel as the vertebrae in your low back magically unlock and your vital organs receive a lovely massage.
Credit: Renée Rodenkirchen via The Coveteur
Move #2: Anjaneyasana to Standing Spinal Twist
Step your right foot forward between your hands from Down Dog. Set your back knee down and release your toes. Lift the torso and arms up and you are in Anjaneyasana. Reach both arms up and take a few breaths here. Staying upright, begin to twist to the right, reaching your arms in opposite directions, to the front and back of the room. Take two deep breaths, lengthening the spine here. Lean forward and hook your left elbow outside your right knee and bring your hands into prayer. For the final step, tuck your back toes and lift your back knee. Take three breaths in the full expression of Standing Spinal Twist. Repeat on side two. This is a deep and stable twist to soothe your hangover tummy.
