The Yoga Therapy Toolbox #14: 3 Tools that will save you in holiday season

The holidays can be joyful — and they can be demanding.
Low energy, overstimulation, travel, family dynamics, long conversations, little rest.

Here are three no-nonsense yoga therapy tools that can genuinely support you through this holiday period.

1. The Quick Energy Recovery Practice 

You could call this a classic.

I created this practice 10 years ago, and I still use it regularly — especially when my energy is required (which, in my line of work, is almost all the time). Over the years, I’ve shared it with many of my yoga therapy clients in different variations:

• Standing

• Sitting on a chair

• Even lying down

When to use it:
Before a party, before (or after) family gatherings, before going shopping, or after traveling.

2. The Regulation Practice

During their final evaluations, our students often refer to Kaya Kriya as a “miracle practice” for their clients.

Taught as part of our Yoga Therapy for the Nervous System module, I often share in class that I can never make it all the way through this practice — I irremediably fall asleep.

When to use it:

This hypnotic practice combining counting, movement, and breathing is especially helpful:

• Sitting down during airplane take-off and landing

• As a recovery tool after stressful conversations or situations

3. The Three Magic Breaths

The name says it all.

This practice is so effective that it should only be done lying down or fully supported in a seated position. I’ve practiced the Three Magic Breathsthousands of times, and I’m still amazed at how quickly clients and students begin to nod off, twitch, and transition naturally into deep relaxation — without effort.

When to use it:

• As preparation for Yoga Nidra

• When breathing “techniques” don’t seem to work

• When you truly need to let go in preparation for sleep

About the Yoga Therapy Toolbox

The Yoga Therapy Toolbox is a collection of practical, experience-led tools drawn from decades of clinical yoga therapy practice and refined through real-world use with a wide range of clients and health conditions. Alongside clear, usable applications, we share insight into where these tools come from and why they work, so they can be used immediately or returned to when needed. New Toolbox posts are published regularly – subscribe to receive email reminders whenever a new tool is added, so you never miss one.