Almost any form of exercise will bring stress relief. Some, however, need special equipment, take longer, or push your body to the limit, like HIIT. Yoga poses can relieve stress and don’t require anything special, much time, or intensity. You only need a spot large enough to accommodate your body width and length. It can help lower blood pressure and slow heart rate. It calms the mind as it stretches and relaxes the muscles.
Learn breathing techniques.
Breathing techniques used in yoga can provide stress relief without including any poses. Best of all, you can use them anywhere, anytime. Belly breathing, or diaphragmatic breathing, is one technique. Sit with your shoulders relaxed and back straight. Make sure you’re comfortable, then close your eyes. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Focus on your belly expanding as you breathe in through your nose. Feel it deflate as you breathe out through your nose. Alternate nostril breathing and victorious breath are two other types of breathing.
Practice breathing techniques in the crescent moon pose.
You can practice breathing techniques in the seated crescent moon pose. Start in the relaxed, deep breathing pose and focus on your breathing. With your back straight and shoulders relaxed, lift your arms above your head. Interlock your fingers, then turn over your hands so your palms face upward. Lean slowly to the left as you inhale. Hold the position for a count of ten. Exhale as you move back toward the center. Repeat, leaning to the right.
The child pose offers relief after a stressful day.
A child pose relieves stress quickly. You need room to sit on the floor. If you have a mat, all the better. Put your weight on the palms of your hands and your knees. Lower your body so your thighs rest on your calves and shins are on the floor. Stretch your arms in the front of your body, with your forehead touching the floor. Hold that position as you feel the day’s stress disappear.
- A cobra pose starts by laying on your belly with the top of your feet on the floor. Your hands will be flat on the floor with your elbows bent. Lift your upper body by straightening your arms and arching your upper back, exhaling as you do. Hold as you focus on breathing.
- The cat/cow poses combine to bring relaxation. Start on all fours, lower your head, and arch your back for the cat. Drop your belly and raise your head for the cow. Hold each position and breathe deeply throughout.
- Lie on your back with your feet slightly spread and allow the feet to relax and fall to the side for the corpse position. Your arms should be relaxed with your palms up and to your side. Allow every part of your body to relax. Stay in this position for five to ten minutes.
- The garland pose is a deep squat with your knees spread outward and arms inside the legs. Your elbows are bent with your palms together, and your elbows press against your legs.
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