3 Yoga Positions To Relieve Stress

Money worries and busy work schedules are things that most of us are only too familiar with. Unfortunately, today’s fast-paced lifestyle wreaks havoc with our nervous system, contributing to all kinds of health problems. So it is important to give the nervous system a chance to reset, and the best way to do this is by practicing deep relaxation. Using Yoga positions to relieve stress is a natural choice.

1. The Wave Breath

Via fclifestyle.co.uk

The wave-breath has a calming effect on the nervous system and can also improve mood, helping to combat depression and anxiety.

Lie down on your back, on the floor or on your bed, with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Breathe in gently and breathe out, pulling your knees to the chest and wrapping your arms around your knees.

Breathe in, slowing lowering your legs, keeping the arms around the knees. Lower the legs until your knees are over your hips and your elbows are straight. Breathe out, pulling the knees to the chest. Repeat this sequence for at least three minutes.

2. Resting Cobblers Pose

Via fclifestyle.co.uk

Resting cobbler’s pose helps to release the tension we hold in our abdominal area, restoring digestion and creating a deeply calming effect.

Lie down on your back, on the floor or on your bed, and bend your knees. Place your feet flat on the ground, and place a flat pillow under your head to support the neck, if you wish.

Now let your legs fall open, keeping knees bent, and press the soles of the feet together. Just let them fall open without applying any pressure. If this is not comfortable for you, use yoga blocks or pillows to support your knees at a comfortable level.

Stretch out your arms, side to side, at shoulder-level, keeping the elbows slightly bent and breathe deeply. Breathe in filling the abdomen with air, and breathe out, releasing any tension in that area. The breath will create a ripple effect that will move up your spine and give you a deep sensation of relaxation. Stay like this for three to five minutes.

3. Legs Up the Wall Pose

Via fclifestyle.co.uk

Legs-up-the-wall pose has a deep restorative effect on the nervous system and also aids circulation in the legs.

Place two folded blankets or two pillows close to the wall. Leave a gap of approximately one foot or 30 cm between the wall and the blankets or pillows.

Next, sit astride of the blankets, and gently lower yourself until you are lying down at a right angle to the wall, with your head and upper back on the floor, and your lower back supported by the blankets. Then move your legs up against the wall, keeping the knees soft.

Position yourself carefully so that your tailbone is hanging over the blanket support. Then stretch out your arms at shoulder-level, again keeping the elbows slightly bent and breathe deeply. You will feel a sinking feeling in the lower back and a hollowing feeling in the abdomen, which creates a wonderful release that travels up the spine. Stay here for three to five minutes.