Yoga has been used for centuries as a way to reduce stress and anxiety. It can be practiced anywhere, anytime, and can provide an instant boost of calmness and relaxation. If you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious, the right yoga poses can help you find relief. In this blog post, we'll discuss the 3 best yoga poses for stress and anxiety relief. Read on to learn how to use yoga to reduce your levels of stress and anxiety.
1) Child's Pose
Child’s Pose is a deeply calming and nurturing pose that is great for relieving stress and anxiety. It helps to calm the body and mind while also stretching out the lower back and hips. To get into Child’s Pose, begin on your hands and knees with your feet together and your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Slowly move your bottom back towards your heels, lengthening your spine as you go. Bring your forehead down to the ground and rest your arms by your sides or extend them out in front of you with your palms facing up. Make sure to keep your shoulder blades broad and your shoulder away from your ears. Hold this pose for at least five deep breaths, allowing your body to soften with each exhale. When you’re ready, slowly come up to a seated position. Child’s Pose is a wonderful pose for stress relief because it offers the feeling of being embraced and supported.
2) Cat/Cow Pose
Cat/Cow Pose is an incredibly effective pose for relieving stress and anxiety. This pose helps to stretch out the spine, hips, and core while allowing the body to relax. To perform this pose, start on your hands and knees with a neutral spine. On an inhale, arch your spine towards the ceiling and let your belly drop down towards the ground (Cow Pose). On an exhale, round your back up towards the ceiling and tuck your chin in (Cat Pose). Alternate between these two poses for several breaths, feeling the tension leave your body with each breath. Cat/Cow Pose can be a very calming pose for many people struggling with stress and anxiety. It helps to alleviate tightness in the lower back and helps to soothe the nervous system. Additionally, this pose also strengthens the core and aids digestion which can help to reduce stress levels.
3) Legs Up the Wall Pose
Legs Up the Wall Pose is an incredibly calming pose that helps to reduce stress and anxiety. It's an incredibly simple pose that can be done just about anywhere – from your bed to a yoga mat. To do this pose, simply lie down on your back, bringing your legs up against the wall. Make sure your hips are close to the wall, with your pelvis in a neutral position. Rest your hands at your sides or on your stomach. Keep your neck relaxed, but look toward the ceiling. You can stay in this pose for up to 5 minutes.
Legs Up the Wall Pose helps to reduce stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system and reversing blood flow, which has a calming effect on the body. This pose can also help to relieve headaches, neck and shoulder tension, and improve digestion. In addition, this pose helps to relax the muscles of the lower back and hips, which can help reduce pain associated with tightness and tension.
Overall, Legs Up the Wall Pose is a great way to find some much-needed relief from stress and anxiety. Give it a try and you might be surprised at how quickly you can start feeling calmer and more relaxed.