5 Yoga Poses to Reduce Anxiety
We all know the feeling, that moment when the stress starts to rise in our bodies. Stress takes many different forms- some may feel it in a headache, others by a tightness in the jaw, and for some it’s a racing mind. There are many benefits of yoga to reduce stress and help create a grounding sensation.
5 yoga poses to reduce stress/anxiety:
Childs Pose
Childs Pose is one of the best poses to recenter and relax. Pressing your forehead down onto the mat in this safe, ‘homey’ pose can help remove stress.
Knees as wide as the mat and big toes to touch
Sink hips back towards heels
Rest forehead down on the mat
Breathe deeply into low belly
2.
Supta Baddha Konasana
This pose offers incredible healing by feeling your breath, heartbeat, and the bottoms of your feet come to touch.
Lay on your back
Bring soles of the feet together
Let your knees fall apart
Prop knees up with blanket or block (if desired)
Let one hand come onto your belly, one hand onto your heart, and your eyes close
3. Seated Meditation
Meditation is one of the best ways to calm the mind and center yourself. Relaxing sounds, such as beach waves, or a guided meditation can help enhance relaxation.
Come to a cross-legged seated position
Palms face up towards the sky, resting on your knees
Lengthen through your spine and neck
Close your eyes and tune into your breath
4. Bridge Pose
Bridge pose is an excellent heart opener that can help if you are feeling stuck or feeling your heart start to feel “closed off.”
Lay down on your back
Bring the bottoms of your feet flat onto the mat stacking them beneath your knees
Tuck your shoulder blades under your back
Lift from your feet raising your hips up off the mat
Bring your hands to clasp below you (optional)
Rest your eyes or allow them to look straight up at the ceiling (try not to look side to side)
5. Inversion
An inversion is any pose where your heart is above your head. If you are feeling stuck, these poses can help you to shift your perspective. Lifting our hearts above our heads allow us to lead with our hearts!
Options for Inversions:
Downward Facing Dog: come onto all 4’s (hands and knees) and then press hips up and back
Legs up the Wall: lay on your back and take your legs straight up towards the sky (option to place a block under your tailbone)
Headstand: more advanced inversion- seek additional instructions and utilize caution
