5 Yoga Poses for Stress Relief

We often think of stress as a mental issue. It is an abstract term for most of us. However, both the neurological and the endocrine systems are involved in the stress response of our bodies. When we try to deal with things we don't like, our body literally does the same for us, too. 

Stress is simply a response to physical and emotional demands. Whenever we feel stressed this usually means that the demands of the situation exceed all our available resources. Generally, when we talk about the stress in our lives we are talking about ‘stressors’.

I am not going to try to explain what exactly happens in the body when we come across a stressful event. There are hormones secreted, our blood circulation and heart rate change etc. What I would like to draw your attention to is that it all happens in our bodies as well as in our minds. When we feel stressed, without notice, for example, we contract our muscles, we become unaware of our posture, we get lost in our thoughts... 

At this point, yoga becomes a perfect tool for us. It is simply because yoga helps us join our body and mind together in the present moment through breath and movement. 

By releasing the tension in some particular areas of the body, we can get more relaxed and feel at ease. 

Today, I am simply explaining 5 different simple yoga poses that can help you release stress in your body and mind. 

1-Extended Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana)

The extended puppy pose (Uttana Shishosana) is a highly calming and pleasant pose that helps to relax and calm the mind. During this pose, allow your chest to open and soften.

The arms, shoulders, and chest are stretched to their greatest potential, while the spine is gracefully extended both upwards and downwards. This pose is commonly used as a follow-up pose to relax the muscles and can be repeated as many times as needed during a yoga session.

2- Sphinx Pose (Bhujangasana)

The Sphinx posture (Bhujangasana) raises body heat, heals sickness, and activates Kundalini, according to ancient texts. It is a basic therapeutic pose that helps to expand the lower back. It is claimed to keep stress and worry at bay by gently stretching the hips and psoas muscles.

Sphinx Pose is soft on the lower back and is a part of the backbend yoga sequence. It also helps to open the chest and acts as a heart opener.

3- Eagle Pose - Arms Only (Garudasana)

When there is tension in the shoulders, it affects respiration, making it shallow, and when this is combined with stiffness in the upper back and neck, it can cause severe headaches.

Eagle arms (Garudasana) can be practised sitting in a chair and - several times during the day to de-stress and relax your upper body.

It also aids in the relaxation of the breath and the mind, both of which are necessary for meditation.

4-Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)

The sitting fundamental pose Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend Pose) has the upper body folded forward over the legs with the forehead resting on the knees or below by bending the arms.

In Paschimottanasana, the back is kept straight in a forward bend while the spine is kept horizontal, resulting in symmetrical extension of the muscles on either side of the spine. This maintains the heart lower than the spine, which is good for both the heart and the spine.

This pose stretches your spine, shoulders, and hamstrings in addition to soothing your mind and alleviating stress. It also helps to promote digestion by stimulating the liver, kidneys, ovaries, and uterus.

5-Plow pose (Halasana)

Plow pose (Halasana) promotes circulation, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels while stretching your spine and strengthening, and toning your back muscles.

For someone who has been practising yoga for more than two years, Halasana will feel comfortable, but for those who are new to the practice but want to test their bodies with adequate supervision, this may be a little challenging.

It aids in the prevention and relief of tension in the neck, shoulders, and back. So, it encourages relaxation, which relieves stress and anxiety.

Soruces:

https://www.heraldopenaccess.us/openaccess/physiology-of-stress-and-its-management

https://www.tummee.com/

https://www.yogajournal.com/