Yoga is a great way to relieve stress and help you relax both physically and mentally. There are a variety of poses and routines one can do to help alleviate stress.
Cat-Cow Pose – Come onto your hands and knees with your wrists aligned under your shoulders, and your knees under your hips. While you inhale, arch your back and look up towards the ceiling. While you exhale, round your back and tuck your chin towards your chest. Repeat five times.
Downward Facing Dog – Start on your hands and knees, and then tuck your toes and lift your hips up and back. Press your chest towards your thighs and your heels towards the ground. Hold for five breaths.
Forward Fold – Standing with your feet hip-width apart, hinge forward at your hips and fold your torso over your legs. Let your head and arms hang heavy. Hold for five breaths.
Wide-Legged Forward Fold – Standing with your feet wider than hip-width apart, hinge forward at your hips and fold your torso over your legs. Let your head and arms hang heavy. Hold for five breaths.
Standing Forward Bend – Standing with your feet hip-width apart, hinge forward at your hips and fold your torso over your legs. Let your head and arms hang heavy. Hold for five breaths.
Halfway Lift – From your forward fold, come halfway up with a flat back. Take a few breaths here.
Child’s Pose – From your forward fold, come to all fours and sit your hips back on your heels. Let your forehead rest on the ground and your arms rest by your sides. Hold for five breaths.
Seated Forward Bend – Sitting with your legs extended in front of you, hinge forward at your hips and fold your torso over your legs. Let your head and arms hang heavy. Hold for five breaths.
Seated Twist – Sitting with your legs crossed, take your right hand to the outside of your left knee and your left hand behind you. Twist to the left and hold for five breaths. Repeat on the other side.
Corpse Pose – Lie down on your back and let your legs and arms relax. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Hold for five breaths.