7 Great Yoga Techniques for Stress

The practice of yoga is an effective way to relieve stress, relax and calm the mind and body. Different yoga poses offer a variety of benefits. While some aim to reduce anxiety and heal the body, there are poses that are suitable to manage stress. Here are some easy yoga techniques with particular effects on stress:

1. Salutation Seal or Anjali Mudra

This practice is perfect in inducing a state of awareness in a meditative way. Usually, this is done by placing the hands in the center of chest or the heart chakra similar to a praying position, with eyes closed while seated with legs crossed. By doing so, there will be a balance and harmony on the right and left sides of the body.

2. Cat Pose or Marjaryasana

This is an effective technique to manage stress while massaging the spine and the organs in the middle part of the body. The Cat Pose also stimulates the spinal fluid and the digestive tract for regular bowel movement.

3. Cow Pose or Bitilasana

Recommended to be paired with the Cat Pose, this practice aims to warm up the spine for back stress relief. Moreover, this pose is beneficial to the adrenal glands and kidneys as well as effective in creating emotional balance.

4. Easy Pose or Sukhasana

While seated comfortably and with one leg on top of the other, place each hand on each knee with the tips of the fingers touching each other and the spine straight while breathing in and out for at least a minute. This pose provides serenity and tranquility to relieve the mind and body of stress.

5. Child’s Pose or Balasana

This technique is done by kneeling down and bending the arms forward or by the side. The forehead rests on the ground to lessen anxiety. This restful pose can be done in between other difficult poses.

6. Downward Facing Dog

To relax, oxygenated blood should be flowing throughout the body and this yoga pose makes this possible. This can be done after the Child’s Pose. From the previous position, press back into this pose. Do this by spreading the fingers wide and see to it that a straight line is created between the elbows and the middle fingers. The legs and lowering heels should be straightened toward the floor. The head should be relaxed between the arms while holding the breath for ten seconds.

7. Seated Forward Bend or Paschimottanasana

This is the ideal yoga technique to clear the mind of distractions and recharge after too much mental stress. Other benefits include stretching of the lower back, spine and hamstrings. Although this is a challenging pose, it is also a basic one. With legs straight on the floor and feet flexed, reach for the toes by bending forward with the forehead touching the knees. Stay in this pose for about ten second. This pose is good for stimulation of the organs, such as the uterus, ovaries, kidneys and livers.

These yoga techniques are suitable for beginners as well as advanced yogis. By practicing these sequences, the body will be relieved from stress while the mind will get back on focus.