(ThyBlackMan.com) Yoga can provide a wonderful antidote to stress. But did you know it could also improve your relationship?
In addition to managing your stress and boosting your fitness level, an added bonus of yoga is an easing of relationship tensions—it is practically impossible to be angry at someone while you practice yoga together!
What To Do
1. Sit & Breathe. Sit in a quiet space together on the floor and simply breathe in and out with your eyes closed. Turn the TV off and mentally turn 
up the volume on your breathing, so you become more aware of its rhythm.
2. Curl. While still in a seated position, slowly curl forward and downward, starting with your head and neck, gradually letting each spinal disk follow this movement until your upper body is folded over your thighs and the crown of your head is toward the floor. Open your legs wider, if necessary, so you can comfortably remain this way for a minute or two. Then slowly unroll your spine, starting near the tail bone and going upward one disk at a time until you are again sitting upright. Next, slowly move to a standing position.
3. Lean Sideways. Stand back to back with your partner, holding hands, with your arms pointing towards the floor. Both people should take a wide stance, legs spread apart. Your heels and your partner’s heels will nearly be touching; your back and your partner’s back will be pressed together. Each person will begin with their head upright, legs straight, but knees soft and unlocked. Choose a direction—remembering your left is now your partner’s right and vice versa, so define where you are going in terms of “toward the couch” or “away from the window” and without dipping forward, lean sideways together. You will feel a lengthening of the opposite side of your body as you do this. Try to hold this side-stretch for five breath cycles, and then slowly come up together. Repeat to the opposite side.
4. Strech Your Arms. Next, stand facing your partner. Stand within arm’s reach of each other, both people assuming a stance with feet hip distance apart, toes forward. Reach forward and hold both of your partner’s hands. Slowly, pull your partner’s right arm straight as your partner pulls your left arm straight. Then alternate – pull your partner’s left arm as they pull your right arm. Each person
will experience a gentle twisting of the upper body on the side where the arm is bent. As you slowly alternate each side, it will feel like you are wringing some of the tension out of your body, like wringing a wash cloth.
5. Just Breathe. Conclude the session by returning to the original seated position. Again, close your eyes, and simply breathe. Grant yourself at least a few minutes to absorb the benefits of your practice. Take some time to simply breathe.
Written By Julia Bower
