“Perhaps! Stress is the alternate definition of Life~” How many of us have undergone this persisting emotion and submitted to life’s agony? Better yet, how many of us have ‘not’ felt this emotion at any point in our lives? Probably, not many of us are deprived of this ‘gruesome’ statement. Being hit by stress is a normal occurrence in today’s tumultuous scenario. It can attack anybody, anytime and anywhere. It is best to be avoided. However, it is not ‘unavoidable’ at all times either. The key is to manage it, keep this ‘stress’ under the influence of our body, mind and soul, rather than letting it influence us.
Yoga – the greatest science ever developed with a mission directed towards holistic wellbeing of the mind, body and soul. This divine art form offers the perfect solution, both ergonomic and completely harmless – for an endless number of ailments and problems like stress, coronary disorders, body aches, etc. Hence, if you are victim of this stress too then it is time to strap up and feel better again by practicing some yoga for stress management.
Yoga is a cornerstone of various poses and breathing techniques that are highly beneficial in providing instant relief from any kind of strain you might be undergoing. And so, let us discuss the seven most amazing yoga poses for managing stress that can be practiced at all levels anywhere with ease:
Sukhasana (Easy Pose)
Start with Sukhasana, or the Easy Pose. As the name suggests, it is one of the easiest and completely revitalizing poses in yoga. The pose does not just calm you down, it also opens your hip muscles and strengthens your spine while relaxing the back muscles. Concentrate for up to a minute on your breath while sitting in this pose with a straight spine.
Garudasana (Eagle Pose)
The next pose you can undertake is Garudasana, also known as the Eagle pose. This yoga asana exercises the ability of a human mind to focus on a single point, akin to the sharp eyed focus of an eagle. The focal point could be anything — an object that makes you feel pleasant and happy. This yoga pose is excellent for relieving stress in shoulders and hips – two of the most common stress points.
Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose) Variation
When stress attacks a body and is carried in it persistently, it begins to affect its internal organs, like heart, stomach, etc. This is the ideal yoga posture for managing higher levels of stress. The pose calms the body and mind while it also improves its digestive system. Perform it during bedtime for a good night’s sleep.
Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose)
This is a ‘magic’ yoga posture for the entire body and mind. Just try it and you would know that we are not kidding here. This awesome yoga pose helps relax groin area, inner thighs and hips muscles as well. In other words, it opens all those major spots in the body where you primarily hold stress. For a much enhanced effect on the mind, you can remain in this pose while playing a nice soothing music or murmuring soothing messages.
Viparita Karani (Leg up the wall pose)
Viparita Karani is a widely unique yoga pose for relieving stress and anxiety from the brain and the entire body. This pose is carried out with legs straight up the wall while rest of the body remains in perpendicular position on the ground. This pose regulates blood flow in the entire body and directs it from your feet to the brain. The pose builds your ability to concentrate on breathing movement and relaxes your heart muscle as it does not have to pump blood into the lower body.
Marjaryasana (Cat Pose)
This pose is highly effective for women undergoing menstrual discomfort. It helps relieve stress in the spine and abdomen as well. This is also an excellent yoga asana for eliminating stomach disorders. For best results, combine this pose with Cow Pose or Bitilasana.
Savasana (Corpse Pose)
The last one, but definitely not the least, Shavasana or the Corpse Pose is the perfect ending yoga asana for relieving stress. One of the most rejuvenating and calming postures, a yoga session remains incomplete if this pose is not practiced. This pose is highly crucial for complete restoration of the body, mind and soul. It is also beneficial for promoting deeper sleep, improving cardiac muscles and for relieving the entire nervous system. Remain in this pose for 10-20 minutes at the end of your yoga session for an absolutely stress-free body.
So, the next time you feel stressed – grab some quiet space and get on with some yoga. Reward yourself a rehabilitated spirit.
To know more about these yoga poses in further detail, explore our Yoga Teacher Training In India.
