5 best Yoga poses to relieve stress
5 Best Yoga Poses to Relieve Stress
Yoga is one of the most well-known activities for relieving stress and anxiety today. In fact, many offices have even started ‘workplace yoga’ to help their employees cope with the stress of the fast-paced corporate world.
Yoga and meditation therapy are one of the most effective treatments for various mental health issues, including stress. One of the best advantages of using yoga is that it provides both short and long-term stress relief.
Given below are five easy yoga asanas to quickly alleviate your stress.
#1. Sukhasana (Easy Pose)
True to its name, Sukhasana or the easy pose can be done even by a person who has never encountered yoga.
Sit on the floor with your legs straightened forward. Then fold them to sit cross-legged. Each foot should be below the opposite knee. Place your hands on your knees with the palms down. Ensure that your spine and neck is straight.
Hold this position for a minute and then cross your legs the other way, holding for another minute before releasing.
Benefits- This asana not only controls stress to calm you down but also helps deal with physical and mental fatigue and anxiety.
#2. Balasana (Child’s Pose)
Balasana or the child’s pose is an emulation of how kids often rest. For this, kneel on the floor with your legs joined and rest your bottom on your heels. Now bend forward until your forehead touches the floor and your chest lies on your thighs. Extend your hands backward (palms up) to rest on your side.
Stay in this position for 5-10 breaths and rise back to your original position.
Benefits- This asana is really good for those who experience too much stress and anxiety. It also helps calm a wandering mind and remove intrusive thoughts from interfering with your concentration.
#3. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)
To perform Uttanasana or the standing forward bend, first stand straight. Now, slowly bend your upper torso forward as you exhale. Bring your hands down to touch the floor and, if possible, rest your palm flat on the floor. Bring your head to your legs. Your knees should remain straight. Hold this pose for 5-10 breaths.
Now, slowly raise your body and arms as you inhale, until you are back to the standing position.
Benefits- This is not only a great stretching pose for releasing tension and eliminating fatigue from your body but it also helps deal with stress, anxiety, and mild depression. Being an inversion pose, it will also elevate your mood and nervous system activity.
#4. Marjaryasana/Bitilasana (Cat-Cow Pose)
Although the Marjaryasana or cat pose and the Bitilasana or the cow pose are separate asanas, they are usually performed together as they perfectly complement each other.
First, get on all fours on the floor. Ensure that your legs are slightly separated, your back is not humped, and your shoulders and neck are out.
Now curve your back in a concave shape as you inhale and push your belly downwards. Simultaneously, lift your chin and head up towards the ceiling as you keep your shoulder broadened. This is the cow pose. Stay in this position for 5-10 breaths and start relaxing back to your original position.
In the same motion, keep pushing your belly upwards towards your spine as you curve your back into a convex shape. Lower your head towards the floor and bring your chin towards your chest. Hold it for the same number of breaths as before. This is the cat pose.
Keep exhaling as you move from the cow pose to the cat pose and inhale again as you transition from the cat pose back to the cow pose.
Benefits- These poses are the perfect remedy for a stressed, anxious, and restless mind. It is also a great stretching exercise for your spine and core.
#5. Savasana (Corpse Pose)
The Savasana or corpse pose is by far the most relaxing and restful asana among all these.
First, lie down on the floor. Straighten your legs and keep them side-by-side without touching. Place your hands by your side with palms facing upwards. Now, relax, release any tension in the body, and let it rest fully on the floor.
Close your eyes, calm your mind, and consciously try to feel your entire body, starting from the head and ending at the toes. Keep your breath slow and relaxed. Do this for 3-5 minutes.
Benefits- This asana can reduce your racing heartbeat, breathing, and high blood pressure. Moreover, it also provides great relief from physical and mental stress.
To Conclude,
None of the asanas described above is advanced or difficult. You can easily make accommodations to do them right where you are.
So, if you are feeling particularly stressed, do not ignore the signs.
Take care of your mental health and use these yoga poses to find much-needed stress relief.