Why Child’s Pose Works for Stress Relief Child’s Pose is a simple and gentle yoga position that helps your body relax by settling your nervous system. When you fold forward and place your forehead on the floor you create a feeling of security and ease that helps quiet your thoughts. This position gently stretches your back and hips & thighs while releasing built-up tension in those muscles. The slow & deep breathing you do in Child’s Pose triggers your body’s natural relaxation response through the parasympathetic nervous system. ## How to Do Child’s Pose Start by kneeling on your mat with your big toes touching each other & your knees spread apart. Lower your hips back toward your heels in a slow motion & bring your forehead down to rest on the ground. You can stretch your arms out in front of you or let them relax alongside your body. Pay attention to your breathing & take deep breaths in and slow breaths out for several cycles.
Child’s Pose (Balasana)
How Does Downward-Facing Dog Help Reduce Stress? Downward-Facing Dog stretches your entire body & releases tension from your neck and shoulders and back where stress typically builds up. The pose improves blood flow & calms your thoughts because your head sits below your heart level which promotes relaxation. Taking deep breaths while holding this position sharpens your mental focus and helps eliminate the foggy thinking that stress creates. Begin on your hands and knees with your hands positioned under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Push your hips upward toward the ceiling while straightening your legs to create an inverted V shape with your body. Press your palms firmly against the mat and keep your feet separated at hip width. Stay in this position for several breaths while you work on lengthening your spine & letting your neck muscles relax.
Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Legs Up the Wall Legs Up the Wall is a restorative pose that releases tension and improves circulation. This inversion uses gravity to help blood flow back to your upper body and promotes relaxation. The pose calms your nervous system and reduces anxiety by slowing your breathing and encouraging mindfulness. It works particularly well for people dealing with stress headaches or lower back pain. ## How to Do It Sit with one hip against a wall and swing your legs up the wall as you lie on your back. Keep your legs straight and rest your arms by your sides or on your belly. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing while letting your body relax into the pose for 5 to 10 minutes.
Cat–Cow Pose (Marjaryasana–Bitilasana)
How Does Cat-Cow Pose Help with Stress Relief? Cat-Cow Pose is a gentle movement between two positions that helps release tension from the spine and neck. The fluid motion of arching and rounding your back encourages your body to let go of built-up stress and anxiety. It also stimulates your breathing flow and helps focus your mind while improving overall mental clarity. The movement between flexing and extending the spine provides a soothing rhythm that helps calm both body and mind. How to Do Cat-Cow Pose: Start in a tabletop position with your wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips. On an inhale drop your belly toward the mat and lift your chest and tailbone toward the ceiling while looking upward for Cow Pose. On an exhale round your spine upward & tuck your chin toward your chest for Cat Pose. Continue to flow between these two poses with your breath for 5-10 rounds.
Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Why Is Savasana Considered the Ultimate Stress Reliever? Savasana serves as the final resting pose in most yoga sessions and works remarkably well for stress relief. This pose may look simple but it promotes complete relaxation and mindfulness. You lie on your back with your body fully relaxed and let your mind release stress while focusing on the present moment. Savasana reduces anxiety and lowers your heart rate while calming your nervous system. This makes it a vital component of any stress-relieving yoga routine. How to Do Savasana: Lie flat on your back with your legs extended and your arms resting by your sides with palms facing up. Close your eyes and focus on your breath while letting go of any tension in your body. Stay in this position for 5 to 10 minutes and focus on the rise and fall of your belly with each breath.
