Yoga for stress

4 Sep 2020, 8:24AM

A sequence to soothe stress, ground yourself, and restore balance and wellbeing.

yoga-childs-pose

 

Child’s Pose

With toes together and knees at the edge of your yoga mat, sit buttocks on the heels and lay your torso down. Stretch your arms out in front and rest your forehead on the floor or a block.

This soothing pose brings your attention inwards and can make you feel safe and comforted. This pose stretches out the lower back and hips and relaxes the spine and upper body – areas that become tense when you’re stressed.

yoga-cat-cow

 

Cat Cow

On your hands and knees, inhale as your curve your belly down towards the floor and feel the stretch in your chest and neck. Exhale as you round your spine towards the ceiling

yoga-extended-puppy-pose

 

Extended Puppy Pose

Start on all fours with shoulders over wrists and hips over knees. Walk hands forward, keeping elbows off the ground. Draw hips back, lengthen the spine and bring forehead down.

This pose helps calm the mind and relieve stress and tension, particularly in the spine, shoulders and upper back.

yoga-side-stretch

 

Side Stretch

Sitting cross legged on the floor, place your left hand on the floor with your elbow slightly bent. Reach your right arm up and overhead, leaning into your left side. Hold, then switch sides and repeat.

This pose stretches the neck, shoulders, back and obliques, relieving stress.

yoga-seated-forward-fold

 

Seated Forward Fold

Sit on the floor with your feet together and legs extended in front of you. Exhale as you bend at the hips and lower your torso to your thighs. Lengthen your spine and hold your feet or calves

This pose calms the nervous system and quiets the mind.

yoga-reclining-bound-angle-pose

 

Reclining Bound Angle Pose

Lie flat on the ground, bend your knees and allow them to relax to each side.

This pose opens up the front side of the body which can close in when you’re feeling stressed and anxious.

yoga-corpse-pose

 

Corpse Pose

Laying on your back, extend your arms and legs, letting your feet drop open at the sides with your palms facing up. Close your eyes. Look for any tension or tightness in your body and consciously release it, allowing your body to melt into the floor. Focus on your breathing.

This is considered one of the most important poses in yoga, where your body integrates all of the previous poses, receiving all of their benefits. It also allows your body and mind to fully relax and restore.