Tree Pose

Benefits: Strengthens legs, ankles, knees; stretches chest, shoulders

Helps: A scattered mind, poor balance, poise

1. Stand with your feet together in mountain pose (tadasana), hands in prayer position.

2. Lift your right foot off the floor, turn your right knee out to side and place sole of your right foot on your inner left thigh anywhere between your knee (not on it, above it) and your groin. Gently press your foot into your leg and your leg into your foot as you reach your left foot into the floor. Hold for three to five breaths.

3. Extend your arms overhead if you like. Trying various arm positions can test your balance further. Or close your eyes. Hold for another three to five breaths.

4. When you’re ready to come out of the pose, release your right foot from your left leg, turn your right knee to point straight in front of you, and lower your feet and hands.

5. Switch sides and repeat.