Stress relief with Yoga Poses

Stress. Stress is something that we all experience at one time or another. Yoga can help us cope with tough times and offer us support.

Try these yoga poses to relieve stress after a stressful day at the office or when you feel overwhelmed. Combining them with deep, full yogic breathing will help you to relax and bring yourself into a state of calm and balance.

Balasana – Child’s Pose

A child’s pose can be the ideal place to relax and recover if you feel the urge to hide. Relax and enjoy the peace as you allow the world to fade away.

How to: Start by standing on your knees. Then, slowly sink your buttocks towards the heels. Rest your torso over the thighs.

You can either place the forehead on the floor or make fists and rest it on them. Knees can be arranged in a variety of ways, including together or apart. The arms can also be positioned in front or to the side.

Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Goddess Pose)

This pose invites release, surrender, and a true sense of letting go.

You can also place the other hand on your belly to ensure that you are taking full belly breaths. This will help you relax deeper. Place the other hand on your belly and breathe deeply from the stomach.

How to: Lie down on your back. Bring your feet together, and then let your knees fall to either side. If your hips are particularly tight, move the heels further away from your body.

Allow the arms to fall out on each side, palms up.

Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold)

This pose is excellent for relieving anxiety, mild depression, and fatigue. This beautiful pose is not only deeply relaxing but also allows blood to flow freely to the brain. It cleanses and refreshes the brain.

How to: Roll yourself as far down as you can from standing. Grab opposite elbows and hang.

Viparita Karani (Legs Up the Wall)

If you are feeling overwhelmed and need some peace, this deeply relaxing pose will calm your mind, reduce anxiety, and relax your nervous system.

How to: Sit with your hips next to the wall. Swing your legs up and rest the backs on the wall.

Slowly lower yourself to your back. Rest your arms by your side with your palms facing upwards.

Savasana (Corpse Pose)

The ultimate relaxing pose, Savasana, allows you to be simple. There is no more hurrying, stressing, or doing. Savasana is a time to BE.

Savasana calms the nervous system, induces deep relaxation, and, most importantly, brings you back to yourself.

What to do: Lie on your back, arms and legs straight. Allow your feet to fall to either side. Keep your arms at your sides, palms up, and slightly away from the body.

Relax your shoulders and let them fall away from your ears. Enjoy a few blissful moments.