I recently started doing yoga. I used to think it wasn't much of a workout so I never bothered with it. Now, I do it almost every day. There are a bunch of different types of yoga and many different poses that help with a variety of things. Other than exercise, I use yoga for meditation and to help calm my anxiety down. So, here's a list of poses that help me with my anxiety and stress. Also, peep my pup helping me to relieve stress during my yoga practice.
Easy Pose / Sukhasana
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This is called the easy pose for a reason. All you do is sit "criss-cross applesauce" and reflect. This is a great way to start your yoga practice and get yourself in the right mindset.
Child's Pose / Balasana
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Child's pose is another very easy position. It helps stretch multiple parts of the body while resting. It's a great pose to do some meditation in.
Cow Pose / Bitilasana
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This pose goes along with the cat pose. Many practices put the cow and cat pose together since it's the same position. The cow pose acts as a massage throughout the spine and stomach.
Cat Pose / Marjaryasana
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Like the cow pose, this also gives the spine and stomach a massage. Both the cat and cow poses are great for beginners because it's very easy. Doing the two together can be very relaxing.
Standing Forward Bend / Uttanasana
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This pose not only helps anxiety, but it also helps digestion and stretches your hamstrings and hips. For this pose, the goal is to keep your legs straight but, it's ok to keep them bent especially the first few times doing it.
Upward-Facing Dog Pose / Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
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In this pose, you really open up your chest and your heart. For me, it lifts pressure that anxiety gives me out of my chest.
Bridge Pose / Setu Bandhasana
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This pose calms the brain and reduces anxiety. It is good for digestion and stomach problems. This pose is one of my favorites because it helps me listen to my breathing and relax.
Corpse Pose / Savasana
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This pose is probably the easiest of them all. All you have to do is lay there and listen to your breathing. I love doing this to end my yoga practice and recollect my thoughts.
Happy Baby Pose / Ananda Balasana
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This pose may be a little difficult to get into but once you get it, you can really sink into the position. This pose is great for the spine and also is a great hip and leg stretch. Once you're sunk into this position, stay there for a few seconds just clearing your head of stress.
Extended Puppy Pose / Uttana Shishosana
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This is another pose I love to sink into. It stretches your spine and shoulders. When I get stressed, my shoulders tense up so this pose is great after a long stressful day.
These poses help me daily to unwind from a stressful day. Whether it's a long day at work or in class, these poses will loosen your mind and body up.
