Feeling stressed? Try these easy Yoga poses to relax your body and calm your mind
This past year has been tough. COVID and the ensuing lockdown has increased the ever increasing pressures of everyday life. Try these 5 simple Yoga poses to alleviate stress and anxiety. Let’s start with bringing out a Yoga mat and get in to some comfortable clothes. A light stomach condition is highly recommended before practicing Yoga
1. Marjaryasana or Cat Pose:
A super easy Yoga pose to learn and practice and it is a great pose to relieve stress.
Instructions:
Get down on your fours. As you exhale, pull your belly towards your spine and raise your back towards the ceiling. At the same time release the crown of your head toward the floor.
Duration: 30 seconds
Repetitions: 3
Why is it great for Stress relief?
It soothes and stretches your lower back
It helps cool down your body and muscles
2. Bitilasana or cow’s pose:
This pose is performed simultaneously with the cat pose above.
Instructions:
Get on all your fours and inhale to curve your belly downwards. At the same time stretch your chin and chest by looking upward towards the ceiling.
Duration: 30 seconds
Repetitions: 3
Why is it great for Stress Relief?
It helps warm your spine
As the pose massages the organs it creates a feeling of emotional wellbeing and balance
3. Bhujangasana or Cobra Pose:
This yoga pose has many physical health benefits, apart from reducing stress it is also great to relieve ailments like asthma.
Lie flat on your stomach. Place hands near your shoulder. Slowly inhale and lift your chest with your hands placed in the same position.
Duration: 30 seconds
Repetitions: 3
Why is it great for Stress Relief?
It provides immediate relaxation
As it opens up our chest it makes breathing easier
It reduces muscle pain
4. Balasana or Child’s Pose:
This is a great resting position for everyone including beginners.
Instructions:
Kneel on the yoga mat with your legs together. Sit on your heels. Bend forward to the ground with your chest touching your thighs and forehead touching the ground. Let your hands rest on the side.
Duration: 1 minute
Repetions: 1
Why is it great for Stress Relief?
It helps quiet the brain and reduces stress
It’s great for the lymphatic and nervous system
5. Shavasana or Corpse Pose:
Instructions:
Lie down calmly on you back. Make sure your legs don’t touch each other and your palms are facing upwards. With your eyes closed and face relaxed, start breathing deeply. As you breathe slowly bring your attention to each part of your body. Start from the top of the head and progress slowly to your feet.
Duration: 3-5 minutes
Repetions: 1
Why is it great for Stress Relief?
It puts our body to ease and offers complete relaxation that calms our nervous system and lowers blood pressure.
It is a cooling pose that relaxes the body and muscles
Once you are done with these poses don’t forget to give your mat a quick wipe down before you put it away.
If you are looking for a great way to store your mats for longevity you can check out our Sustainable and Handcrafted Yoga mat bags and Yoga mat straps.
