Stress. We all get it. And we know how bad it can be for us in the long run. Maybe you're feeling it right now? Maybe you've been dealing with it for a while? Things like tight deadlines, frustrations at work, money troubles, and personal problems can all add up and cause stress to build up over time. These yoga poses will help relieve stress in the body.
Section: Corpse Pose
Corpse Pose (Shavas Ana) is perhaps one of the easiest postures to do in yoga. When done correctly, it can be very relaxing. As its name suggests, Corpse Pose is similar to being a dead person after you've been embalmed; your body is completely limp, but your mind is still active.
Section: Seated Forward Bend
This powerful pose will allow you take a step back from your daily stress, focus on your breathing and get ready for the tasks ahead. Sitting tall in Seated Forward Bend, take a deep breath and bend forward as you exhale. Once you are in the position, feel your spine stretching down from the top of your head, through your shoulders and down to the base of your spine. Gaze at either a point on the floor or a point on the wall in front of you. As you breathe into this pose continue to focus on deep breathing and how your muscles feel as they lengthen. Notice how you are able to release tension as your body reaches its full capacity. Each breath builds on the next allowing you to truly reap all the benefits of this calming yoga pose!
Section: Reclined Bound Angle Pose
You do not have to be flexible to perform the reclining bound angle pose. It is suitable for yogis of all levels who want to relax their core and back muscles. Sit up, then put your right foot on your left upper buttock. Place both hands behind your back, interlace your fingers, then press your palms.
Section: Child's Pose
This pose is not only a great way to calm your mind, but also a great way to relieve stress. It can also be used as a resting pose, so if you're feeling tired, this is a great option.
Start by kneeling on the floor, with your knees together and sitting back on your heels. Then extend your arms in front of you, with palms facing up. Let your head hang down and close your eyes for about 30 seconds. Then return to Child's Pose, which will help stretch out your back muscles and give you an overall sense of relaxation.
Section: Easy Pose
To perform this pose, you will need a mat or towel on the floor. Sit cross-legged with your back straight and hands resting on your knees. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths while focusing on relaxing your muscles.
Section: Cat/Cow
This pose stimulates the muscles in your back, neck, and shoulders. It also helps alleviate tension in the back by loosening up the lumbar region.
To do this pose, start on all fours with your hands directly under your shoulders and knees directly under your hips. Make sure that your wrists are directly under your shoulders, so that you don't feel any strain on them when pressing up into downward-facing dog position.
Next, inhale as you press into downward-facing dog position—lifting up onto the balls of your feet, with arms straight and palms flat on the floor beneath you. Hold for three deep breaths before coming back down to all fours with knees bent like a cat's paws (see below).
This pose can help relieve stress in two ways: firstly, it stretches out tight muscles in your back; secondly, it stimulates key muscle groups in your neck and shoulders, so they relax more easily when stressed out—making this pose a great way to relieve stress during yoga!
Section: Legs Up The Wall
Lie on your back with your head and shoulders resting against a wall for support. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor about hip-width apart, then walk them up the wall until they're in line with your hips. Rest your arms away from your body, palms down toward the ceiling. The position should feel comfortable, so if there's any strain at all in your neck or back, try adjusting yourself accordingly until you find a comfortable position that doesn't cause pain or discomfort.
Stay here for five minutes or longer if you'd like!
Section: Reclined Twist
To begin, you'll want to lie on your back with your legs extended and feet together. Then, bring your right knee up and cross it over your left leg. You can leave the right foot flat on the mat or place it under your left thigh. Next, place your right hand behind you on the floor and extend your left arm straight up above your head. Hold this pose for 30 seconds before switching sides.
This pose is great because it allows you to stretch out both sides of your body while also relieving tension in the lower back region where most people carry stress throughout the day due to poor posture habits such as slouching at a desk or sitting too long without getting up for breaks often enough throughout the day (which often leads to backaches).
Section: Eagle Pose
To do Eagle Pose, start by sitting down on the floor with your legs straight in front of you. Bend your knees and cross your ankles. Place your palms flat on the floor about shoulder-width apart, then lift up one leg at a time and place the sole of each foot against your inner thigh. Gently press down into your hands as you press up into your feet until you're balancing on just one leg at a time (if this is too difficult for you right away, begin by balancing on both legs).
Once you've found this position, breathe deeply and extend both arms out in front of you like wings—you should feel like an eagle soaring high above the earth! Hold this pose for five breaths before switching sides.
Section: Legs on a Chair Pose
To do this pose, sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart. Slowly bend forward and place your hands on your knees or in front of your hips. Keep your back straight and knees unlocked. Hold this position for five breaths, then slowly return to starting position.
Takeaway: Stress is lessened through these poses.