Use that towel or small cushion under your hips when lying face down

Not looking forward to swan dives or swimmers? Grab a folded towel and pop it under your hips. This lifts your hips slightly to give your belly more space. It also opens up the lower back to reduce pressure while you’re working the all-important back muscles.

Do your side bends

If your insides are in knots, gentle spinal movement can help – especially if you’ve been curled in a little ball of period misery. Side bends are my go-to for stiff backs. Focus on breathing in as you extend through the side of the spine, and breathing out as you return to a more neutral position. Breathwork doesn’t just make positions more physically accessible, it also helps to calm the mind. Studies have also found that slow deep breathing may also help to reduce acute pain.

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