5 yoga poses that will help you beat stress

Yoga to beat stress! it’s more than just exercise. It is a way to connect the physical existence with the mind. This is exactly why yoga has the power to heal you from within to overcome the overwhelming stress that today’s fast-paced life brings. On International Yoga Day, we suggest you wholeheartedly embrace these 5 yoga poses to stay on top of stress:

1. Balasana

Balasana, or child’s pose, helps in relieving stress and anxiety. Sit on the knees in Vajrasana, heels flat and bend forward with arms forward by the side. Rest the forehead on the mat and take long breaths.

2. Viparita Karani

This legs-up-on-the-wall pose is good for stress reduction. Lie down on your back and rest the legs straight on a wall. Watch the ceiling and stay in this pose for few minutes. This pose also helps in getting a good sleep. Stay in this pose to feel relaxed.

3. Eka pada pranamasana

The tree pose needs you to balance on one leg and stand with arms in prayer position in front or stretched above the head. Stand upright and bend the right leg, placing the sole on the inside of the left leg. Stay here for 1 to 3 minutes and change the legs. Closing eyes in this pose put your entire focus to balancing. This helps in forgetting the worries of the world and helps get rid of stress.

4. Hasta Uttasana

Start with Pranamasana, the prayer position with hands in front of your chest. Raise hands up and stretch with the arms lowered to your sides and knees and hips aligned inwards. Bend backwards in curvature; if you have back issues stay straight and stretch lightly. Use Padahastana – hands-to-feet forward bend poses – as a continuation. Bend the body from the hip while keeping the knees slightly bent and a straight back. Place the palms of your hands on either side of the foot. This pose should be performed with proper form. Bend the knees a little bit if you struggle to come all the way down.

5. Paschimottanasana

This seated forward bend pose can help you unwind after a hard day’s work. Sit down with legs straight side to side. Raise your hands with back aligned and slowly lower down the hands and forehead towards the knees. This pose helps blood flow, cools the mind, and relieves stress. If you struggle in this pose you can place your hands on knees and bend forward as much as possible.

These poses can be performed at home or in the office. All you need to get started is a yoga mat!

If yoga is your medicine, ensure you learn it from an expert. For yoga is not just an exercise, it is divine. It connects you with you. How do you expect to do so without a teacher and a guide?

Medically Reviewed by Shamlee Pathare, B.Sc. in Yoga Therapy