When most people go through stress, they tend to use every solution imaginable to get rid of it – crystals, wine, Rescue Remedy, magnesium, ice cream, cookies, wine – you name it.
You don’t have to search far and wide looking for other solutions when there’s yoga. The beauty of yoga is that it works both ways. It relieves tension and decreases stress in both your mind and body.
That’s not all, yoga also makes you tougher in cases where these stress triggers recur.
In this article, we’ve listed 5 yoga poses that’ll help you reduce tension and stress. Let’s dive in.
1. Easy pose (Sukhasana)
Sukhasana or the easy pose opens the hips and it also lengthens the spine. It goes a long way in helping you eliminate anxiety and it’ll also calm you down. That’s not all, it also reduces physical and mental exhaustion.
Steps:
- Begin this pose by sitting down but make sure your spine is straight and your legs are extended.
- Next, bend both knees as you bring your left foot beneath your right knee. Do the same thing with the other foot.
- Place both palms on each knee as you align your spine, neck and head.
- Pay close attention to the way you breathe and gaze ahead.
- Maintain this position for a minimum of 60 seconds before changing the way your legs are crossed.
2. Child’s Pose (Balasana)
This yoga pose is easy to perform and it is beneficial to the nervous system and lymphatic system. It goes a long way in calming your mind and it releases stress efficiently as it stretches the ankles, hips and thighs.
Steps:
- Kneel down and sit on your heels.
- Next, bend forward until your chest is touching both thighs.
- Rest your hands on your sides, breathe deeply and maintain the position for several seconds.
3. Seated forward bend (Paschimottanasana)
The seated forward bend will stretch your lower back, hamstring and spine. It is also good for easing PMS symptoms, it stimulates the liver, improves digestions and it also reduces fatigue.
Steps:
- Sit down with both feet extended forward.
- Try to bend forward until your belly touches your thighs.
- Now, use your hands to hold your feet.
- Maintain this position for a minimum of 30 seconds before going back to your original position.
4. Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana)
The Happy baby pose is great for relieving stress and fatigue. This pose stretches your groin and spine gently.
Steps:
- Lie on the floor and ensure your arms are on your side and your legs are extended.
- Bend both knees in the direction of your belly.
- Next, stretch your hands then try to hold your feet. Ensure your knees are wide open and maintain the position for a minimum of 60 seconds.
5. Standing forward bend (Uttanasana)
This yoga pose works well for relieving stress and mild depression. It calms the brain while stimulating the liver and kidneys. It also goes a long way in strengthening the knees together with stretching the hamstring, calves and hips.
Steps:
- Stand up straight then bend forward.
- Stretch your body and try to use your palms to touch the floor.
- Ensure your legs are straight for deeper and more efficient stretch.
- Maintain this position for about 3 or 4 breaths before going back to your original position.
