The Best Stress-Relieving Yoga Moves

Yoga has long been used for centuries to relax the body and calm the mind, which is ideal for relieving stress. It also helps lengthen and strengthen the muscles for a slimmer, toned body with improved posture, and it doesn't have to be practiced in a yoga studio or gym to reap the benefits. The following stress-relieving yoga moves are the best for alleviating tension, and they can be done in the privacy of your own home anytime you need to find stress relief.

The Child's Pose

The Child's Pose, also called Balasana, is a seated arched pose that requires the participant to rest comfortably on all fours with the hips back towards the soles of the feet, the arms extended out on the floor in front of them, with the forehead to the floor between the hands. Since this pose positions the head lower than the heart, it promotes a calm sensation, which helps relieve tension in the body as well as prepares the mind for reflection. It also deeply relaxes the neck and back.

The Child's Pose is often used to alleviate stress, muscle tightness, and mental tension, however, it can also be used to help reduce anxiety. While breathing deeply, hold the pose anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. However, you should avoid doing the pose if you have hypertension or issues with your eyes.

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The Standing Forward Fold/Bend

The Standing Forward Fold/Bend Pose, also called the Uttanasana, increases spine suppleness, which helps reduce stiffness and stress. It also improves blood flow, which helps revitalize the body. At the same time, it helps calm the brain by lowering the head below your heart, which also helps reduce stress. This pose also loosens the hips and helps relieve tightness in the heart and shoulders.

To perform the Standing Forward Fold Pose, slightly bend the knees with the abs softly engaged, and then bend forward from the hips into a standing inverted position with the hands placed on both sides of or in front of the feet, or you can grab hold of each elbow with the opposite hand. While keeping the weight in the balls of the feet, stretch through the back of the legs. However, if you have tension in the back of the knees, simply keep your knees slightly bent. While hanging, allow the area around the eyes to soften, as well as the head, the jaws, the neck, and the mind. Hold the pose for a few breaths or as long as needed.

The key is to not force your body into the position, as though it is an intense stretch, it is supposed to be soothing and comfortable. Therefore, the more you naturally relax into the pose, the deeper the stretch and the better the benefits. Furthermore, you could injure yourself if you push your body too quickly.

Simply engage in the pose anytime you want to balance increased emotional energy, relax the nervous system, or calm a racing mind to promote feelings of tranquility. However, if you have hypotension, straighten up slowly to avoid becoming dizzy or lightheaded.

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The Rabbit Pose

The Rabbit Pose, also known as Sasangasana, involves sitting with your head positioned towards your knees while the top of your head relaxes on the floor and your hands hold your feet. By doing so, it helps alleviate strain in your shoulders and neck as well as lengthens the spine, which helps nurture and re-position the backbone to ease areas prone to storing stress and tension. It has also been shown to help balance the hormones, which helps improve your mood.

Simply practice the pose anytime you want to stretch the backbone and back muscles, which can become tight due to anxiety. Many physicians advise stretching as a method to reduce accumulated tension and stress caused by anxiety, which this pose is effective at doing.

Ready for a long stretch? Keep reading to discover another pose.

The Side Stretch

There are numerous variations of side stretch poses, including the Extended Triangle, the Gate Pose, the Upward Salute Variation, and the Reverse Warrior. Side stretches, or side-bends, help restore balance throughout the entire body by extending and strengthening the hips, thigh muscles, and core muscles, and it also improves suppleness in the backbone. Furthermore, it loosens the rib muscles, which can become taut over time, as a result of slumping, and cause tension and stress.

Practice side bends up to three times a week or to feel re-balanced and revitalized anytime. However, if you feel sharp pain, or if you have low blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, or diarrhea, it is not recommended that you do one of these poses.

Light up the sky with this next pose.

The Thunderbolt Pose

The Thunderbolt Pose is also known as the Diamond Pose, Kneeling Pose, Adamant Pose, and Vajrasana. This pose involves sitting back on the soles, spine straight and the top of the head is stretching up, with the hands on either side of the feet or crisscrossed over the chest. The hands are positioned at the underarms, thumbs aimed outward, and it's simple enough to be performed while enjoying your favorite television program. However, though this pose is a fairly simple one, it should not be performed if you have medical concerns or problems with the knees or ankles. Also, as with any yoga pose, you should not force your body into the exact posture but instead allow it to naturally work its way up with regular practice.

When done on a regular basis the Thunderbolt Pose helps calm and balance the mind, and it is also a great pose for extended periods spent sitting and breathing. This pose also promotes acalm awareness that helps you focus your thoughts and attention on the moment at hand, which is the very essence of yoga.

These yoga poses make it simple to relax and rejuvenate any time of the day. Many of the poses along with deep breathing can be done right where you are. When incorporating the poses, practice on an empty stomach, take it slow, and never force your body into any of the positions as it can result in injury. Also, as with any exercise, it is strongly recommended that you consult your physician if you have injuries, health problems, or other issues.