Relieve Stress And Anxiety: 5 Yoga Poses

Yoga can help reduce your stress and anxiety, in addition to a number of other health benefits including weight loss, increased flexibility and blood flow, as well as balance. If you are suffering from stress and anxiety, you should give yoga a chance. You can join a yoga class for beginners, but there are also poses you can do at home to relieve your stress. See below for five poses to do to relieve your stress or anxiety.

1. Child's Pose

Child's pose is easy to get into. You may not be able to touch the floor completely, if you can't that's OK, just bend as far as you can. To do this pose, kneel on the floor and bend over trying to touch your forehead to the floor, reaching your hands out in front of you as far as you can (you can also keep your hands behind your rear on the floor if reaching forward is too difficult). Your feet should be tucked beneath your rear close together.

2. Corpse Pose

The corpse pose is very relaxing. It's a pose to help you focus on your breathing. Lay on your back with your limbs stretched out. Your palms should be face up and your feet can be turned out to the sides. Close your eyes and relax into the pose. Focus on your breath, listen to your breathing, then slowly begin to move each limb. Finally, open up your eyes to come out of the pose.

3. Wall Pose

The wall pose can help increase blood flow and can also relieve stress in the lower back. Lay on your back with your feet up on a wall. Keep your legs completely straight and your arms out to your sides. Allow your back and hips to relax into the pose. Focus on your breathing while in this pose and allow your body to stretch for a few minutes.

4. Tree Pose

The tree pose can help improve balance in your mind and your body. Stand straight up, then pull one foot into the opposite leg, resting it on the inside of the leg. Bring your arms in to center. Hold the pose for a minute, then repeat on the other leg. 

5. Forward Fold Pose

Sit with your legs stretched out in front of you, toes pointed towards the ceiling. Slowly bend your body forward so your head is touching your knees. Keep your spine in alignment and your rear on your mat. Try to stretch as far as you can into the pose. Reach out towards your feet, trying to get your hands around your feet. Hold the pose for a minute or two, trying to get lower into the pose.

Stress and anxiety can take a toll on your body and your mind. Yoga can help relieve a lot of this. Try these poses at home or in a beginner yoga class to improve your mind, body and soul.