We all deal with stress daily. We all experience stress for different reasons and have different coping strategies. Stress can lead to many mental issues, such as depression, insomnia, anxiety, and more. It is up to us to maintain our mental wellness in the best ways possible, and usually that means to talk to a professional about any issues you’re facing. But one extra step we can take is to practice some relaxing yoga poses that will help decrease stress.
We’ve put up a list of yoga positions that will help you ease into your practice and get the many health advantages yoga offers. You can do these asanas in the morning or incorporate them into your bedtime yoga routine. Continue reading to find out more!
How Does Yoga Reduce Stress?
Everyone can benefit from yoga’s many health benefits and its lack of adverse effects. If you’ve ever wondered how to reduce stress through yoga, look no further.
The following are some of the many ways that yoga poses help to reduce stress:
- Reducing mental stress
- Lowering blood pressure and heart rate
- Aiming to become more self-aware
- Allowing you to live in the present fully
- Stretching and releasing tension in your muscles
- Taking you out of the circumstance that is making you anxious
- focusing on the in and out breaths
- Releasing one’s emotional power
Yoga Poses That Reduce Stress and How to do Them
Yoga is a terrific option if you’re looking for a way to deal with stress. Here are some of the greatest yoga poses for stress relief.
Cat Pose (Marjaryasana)
It’s simple to get into and hold this position in yoga. With its cat-like appearance, this yoga stance is a fantastic stress-buster.
How to do This Pose
As you exhale, lift your chest and upper back toward the ceiling, drawing the belly towards your spine. Slowly lower your brow toward the floor, lowering your brow toward the floor. You’ll notice a difference after 30 seconds of this.
What Makes This a Good Stress-Relieving Yoga Pose?
- The lower back is soothed and stretched by this yoga practice.
- It’s a stress-reliever.
- This position cools off your body, especially your muscles.
Cow Pose (Bitilasana)
Cat and cow poses are frequently done at the same time. It’s a simple yoga practice that can help alleviate stress.
How to do This Pose
Inhale as you stand on your hands and knees, allowing your tummy to sag slightly downward (facing the floor). You can do this by raising your chin and torso upward. After 30 seconds of doing that, you’ll notice a significant difference.
What Makes This a Good Stress-Relieving Yoga Pose?
- Your spine will be warmed up in this yoga stance.
- This yoga asana aids in relaxation and stress reduction.
- By massaging the body’s internal organs, it helps to maintain a healthy emotional state.
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
It is an excellent yoga pose for relieving tension. In addition, it offers numerous physical health benefits, such as alleviating asthma symptoms. After 30 seconds of doing that, you’ll notice a significant difference.
How to do This Pose
Flatten out on your stomach. Bring your hands up to your shoulders and relax. Keeping your hands in the same posture as before, gradually inhale and raise your chest off the floor.
What Makes This a Good Stress-Relieving Yoga Pose?
- This yoga stance delivers an immediate sense of calmness and serenity.
- Opens our chest, making breathing easier.
- This yoga stance also helps to alleviate muscle pain.
Child’s Pose (Balasana)
It’s one of the most accessible yoga poses for beginners to learn.
How to do This Pose
Kneel with both legs together on the floor of your yoga mat. Take a seat with your heels flat on the floor. Keep your elbows bent and wrists relaxed.
What Makes This a Good Stress-Relieving Yoga Pose?
- It is a posture of relaxation that calms the mind and relieves tension.
- The lymphatic and neurological systems are also aided by it.
- It alleviates our worry and anxiety at the same time.
Standing forward bend (Uttanasana)
This yoga stance provides a wide range of mental and physical advantages.
How to do This Pose
Slowly breathe out and lean your body forward, attempting to touch the floor with your finger. Put your head between your knees. Return to a standing position after holding for 4-8 breaths. This meditative yoga stance can help you de-stress in just one minute.
What Makes This a Good Stress-Relieving Yoga Pose?
- This yoga stance relieves tension in the hamstrings, thighs, and hips.
- Even moderate depressive symptoms and weariness are said to be relieved by it.
- This stance also cools down the neurological system.
Extended Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana)
This asana is a fusion of two yoga poses (the child pose and the downward-facing dog). As a result, the effect of this pose is doubled as well.
How to do This Pose
Get on your hands and knees. Taking a deep breath, bring your buttocks about midway back towards your heel. Relax by placing your chin on the floor, then take a few deep breaths. After a while, allow your body to loosen up. Happy hormones are released after 30-60 seconds of doing this.
What Makes This a Good Stress-Relieving Yoga Pose?
- This pose helps to calm your mind, which in turn reduces mental stress.
- Your muscles and joints are stretched to their fullest extent.
- It lifts your spirits and soothes your mind.
Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana)
How to do This Pose
Assume a prone position and relax your body. When ready, bend your knees inward and place your hands on your ankles. The minimum amount of time is 60 seconds.
What Makes This Pose a Good Stress Reliever in Yoga?
- This position improves your mood and helps you sleep better.
- It has calming effects on the mind and body.
- Practicing this yoga asana can help you relax and de-stress.
Mental Health Treatment Options in San Diego, CA
Stress can cause a lot of mental and physical issues, and it’s crucial for us to stay on top of our mental wellness in a healthy way. Using yoga as a tool is an excellent way to supplement proper mental health treatment for issues like depression, anxiety, insomnia, and more. To learn more about mental health treatment options in San Diego, CA, call the Mental Health Center of San Diego at (858) 258-9883.
