Flu season is here and in full swing. Aches, fevers, and painful joints, and nausea are all part of the process of the flu. If you are going through any of these symptoms, hopefully some of these yoga positions will help you as much as they have helped me. Light exercises, such as theses poses, will help relive joint pain and increase antibodies that will help fight the flu and it's symptoms. Just remember to stay bundled and not push yourself too far- this is to help with the feeling of illness, not get in an extra workout while bed ridden. For more information and how-to's on any of these poses, check out Yoga Journal.

Poses to Stretch the Hips

Reclining Bound Angle pose- Like the butterfly stretch, but you lay back.
Rock and Roll pose- Hold legs into the chest, then move from left to right. Hold, legs to the left and look to the right and visa versa.
Eye of the Needle pose- Rest right foot on left knee and pull left knee towards your chest, holding the back of the left leg with one arm going between the hole made with the right and left legs. Thus, "eye of the needle". Complete with left leg rested on right as well.

Poses for Back

Child's pose- Lay with legs tucked under the chest and head resting on the ground (or bed).
Rabbit pose- Start in Child's pose with hands wrapped around each heel. Tuck the head under so the forehead and knees are touching. If you prefer, you can stay here, or lift the body upwards. The goal is to have your legs bent at a 90 degree angle and the back bowed.
Cat/Camel pose- If you can, get onto all fours. Curl the back up while bringing the head in towards your navel. Hold, then bring head up towards the ceiling and arch back towards the ground.

Poses for Legs

Savasana- While in resting pose with legs relaxed and arms (palms up) to the side, alternate pointing and flexing the feet.
Happy Baby pose- Wrap the index finger around each big toe. Flex feet and bend knees, making sure that legs are spread apart.
Extended Leg Twist pose- Keep the left leg straight and resting on the ground. Bring the right leg up and over the left side of the body. The right leg should be straight out with only the foot resting on the ground and hips as even as possible. Rotate the body to the right so you are looking to the right while your leg is resting to the left. Try to get a 90 degree angle between the legs. Hold, then complete with the left leg.