The Best Stress-Relieving Yoga Moves

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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