In today’s modern world, stress is a part of our everyday lives. The difference between people who love life and people who feel like they’re dying each day is their ability to manage the stress. Stress affects us in lots of different ways: decreased immune system, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and so on. By following these 5 yoga poses for beginners, you can relieve stress naturally! These poses are easy to follow and don’t require any equipment to complete them.
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| 5 Yoga Poses for Beginners to Relieve Stress |
Section: The Child's Pose
Section: The Seated Forward Bend
Section: The Reclining Big Toe Pose
Section: The Cobra Pose Upper Body Stretch
Section: The Cat-Cow Pose
Takeaway: Try these yoga poses to relieve stress
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The Child's Pose
One of the most calming stances in yoga is the child's pose. It stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles while reducing stress and fatigue. This position can also help relieve stress and moderate sadness by calming the brain.
It’s a good resting pose to use between more challenging asanas. A child’s pose can also be used as a counterpoise after performing back bends such as cobra and upward-facing dog. You can use it as an alternative to a downward-facing dog or standing forward bend when you are fatigued or having trouble focusing. It is also helpful for relieving backaches, especially during pregnancy.
The Seated Forward Bend
This is a simple pose that begins in a seated position. You can sit on the floor, or a chair with your back straight and your shoulders relaxed.
As you stretch your arms above your head, take a deep breath in.
As you breathe out, bend forward as far as you comfortably can while keeping your back straight.
If you are able, place the palms of your hands flat on the floor so that you can release the tension in your neck and shoulders.
Breathe normally and hold this position for several breaths before returning to the starting position and repeating the exercise.
The Reclining Big Toe Pose
This is a good stretch for your shins and hamstrings. To perform the Reclining Big Toe Pose, lie on your back. You should have your knees flexed and your feet down on the floor.
Move one foot toward your body so that your heel touches your opposite thigh. Grab the big toe of that foot with your thumb, index finger, and middle finger.
Pull your knee toward you until you feel the tension in the back of your leg.
Straighten that knee until it is directly above its hip.
Hold for 30 seconds before switching sides and repeating.
The Cobra Pose Upper Body Stretch
If you want to strengthen the muscles in your arms, shoulders, and upper back, but don’t have much experience with weightlifting or equipment, we’ve got a solution. The Cobra pose yoga stretch is a great exercise that will help you get stronger and healthier.
If you already practice yoga, you’re probably familiar with the Cobra pose. It helps open up your chest, which is a plus if you spend long hours sitting at a desk. And it strengthens your core, which helps improve posture and stability.
But the Cobra is also a great exercise for building upper body strength. You’ll work your biceps, triceps, shoulders, and back – all of which help make everyday tasks like carrying groceries easier.
The Cat-Cow Pose
The cat-cow pose is a gentle stretch that warms up the spine and shoulders. It also helps release tension in the neck, lower back, and core. Most importantly, it's fun.
How to do it:
Get down on your hands and knees, with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Make a fist with your fingers and point them toward the top of your mat. Place your shins and knees hip-width apart. Soften your look down and keep your head in a neutral position.
As you inhale, lower your belly to the mat. Lift your jaw and chest toward the ceiling and raise your eyes to the sky. Raise your arms away from your ears and spread your shoulder blades wider.
Draw your belly button to your spine and curve your back toward the ceiling as you exhale. The position should resemble that of a cat stretching its back. Allow the crown of your head to fall to the floor, but keep your chin from touching your chest. A mild neck stretch is fine in this pose; pushing the motion can result in harm.
Repeat this movement for 10 breaths, moving with control and inhaling and exhaling through the nose.
Takeaway: Try these yoga poses to relieve stress
Yoga has a lot of physical and mental benefits, but one that often goes overlooked is its stress-relieving effects. Stress can wreak havoc on your body, causing everything from digestive issues to headaches, anxiety, weight gain, and depression.
Practicing these yoga poses a few times a week can help reduce your stress level and improve the other factors in your life that cause you to feel stressed.