Looking to unwind and destress? Give these simple yoga poses a try for some much-needed stress relief.
These poses are not only easy to do but also highly effective in calming the mind and relaxing the body. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned yogi, these poses are perfect for anyone looking to find some peace and tranquility in their day. So, roll out your mat, take a deep breath, and let's get started on your journey to a stress-free mind and body. For those seeking a challenge, explore the "advanced" poses to elevate your yoga practice.
Child's Pose How To: Sit the hips to the heels, then bring your knees wider than hips and walk your hands out as far as they will go.
Advanced:
Bring your arms to rest along the side of your body. Allow your forehead to rest on the ground and let your chest relax towards the ground.
Benefits:
- Calming for stress, anxiety, and mind
- Helps sooth dizziness or fatigue
- Releases tension in the back and shoulders, while stretching out spine
- Helps bring a steady, slow breath
Big Toe Fold How to: Forward fold while grabbing your big toes with your two first fingers. If your hamstrings or lower back are tight bend your knees to grab your toes. Relax your sternum towards your thighs to help lengthen your spine.
Advanced:
Hook your fingers around your big toes to deepen your forward fold. Or, bend the knees and bring the palms flat next to your feet. Work on straightening the legs while keeping the palms flat. Make sure you are bringing weight into the balls of your feet so that your hips stay directly over your ankles.
Benefits:
- Calms brain
- Help relieve stress, anxiety, headache and insomnia
- Stretches and strengthen hamstrings, thighs, and calves
- Stimulates liver, kidneys, and digestion
Up the Wall How To: Lay on your back, scoot your bum to the wall and lift your legs straight up in the air against the wall. Let your arms come to your side with the palms of your hands facing the ceiling. Relax your head on the ground, optional to close your eyes.
Advanced:
Bend your knees, touch the soles of your feet together, and slide the outer edges of your feet down the wall, bringing your heels toward the pelvis. Then push your hands against the top inner thighs to stretch the groins. Remember, never push on your knees to open the groins.
Benefits:
- Soothing for head and lower back
- Lowers heart rate
- Helps relieve stress
- Energy booster
Bridge Pose How To: Lie on your back, bring your ankles underneath your knees and push your hips up towards the ceiling. Walk your shoulders in towards each other underneath you. Allow your chin to come towards your chest, so you can see your chest rise and fall while you breathe.
Benefits:
- Alleviates stress and tension
- Reduces anxiety, fatigue, and headaches
- Stretches back and legs
Corpse Pose How To: Lie on your back with legs as wide as or wider than your hips and bring yours arms out by your side with your palms towards the ceiling. Let your head rest on the ground and close your eyes.
Advanced:
Bring the heels closer together as you let the toes fall towards the floor, stretching the inner hips.
Benefits:
- Puts whole body at ease
- Relieves stress and anxiety
- Slows breathing and allows relaxation to set in
