In today’s world of social media, the constant grind towards success, and the 24-hour news of unrest and uncertainty, many people suffer from anxiety. Everyone has their method for combating stress, from self-medicating with anti-anxiety drugs, food, and other things that may not be the healthiest. But there’s another method that has proven to be effective in relieving anxiety. Research has shown that yoga is not only good at building strength in the muscles and bones, but it’s also good at calming the central nervous system.
A calm central nervous system lessens stress levels and anxiety.
Here are some easy yoga poses you can do when anxiety becomes overwhelming.
CHILD’S POSE
- Kneel to the floor with your heels under your buttocks and your knees wide.
- Bend your torso forward so that your stomach and chest are resting on your thighs. Place your forehead as close to the floor as possible.
- Stretch the arms outward.
- Relax the shoulders and arms.
- Relax and breathe.
STANDING FORWARD BEND
- Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.
- Take a deep breath in, then exhale as you bend forward from the hips.
- Reach for your knees, shins, toes, or floor.
- Aim to press your chest against your thighs. Relax the muscles in your head and neck.
- Hold the pose for 3 deep breaths.
CAT/COW POSE
- Kneel on your hands and knees, looking straight ahead.
- Place your knees hip-width apart with your hands below your shoulders. Keep the elbows slightly bent.
- Inhale while arching your back up like a cat. Your head should be facing down, chin to chest.
- Exhale while sloping your back in reverse. Your head should look upwards. Turn the head from left to right looking over the shoulders, getting a deep stretch in the neck.
ELEVATED LEGS
- Perform this pose near a wall. Lie on your back.
- Raise the legs up and lie them flat against the wall.
- Lay the arms along the sides of the body.
- Relax and breathe deeply for 5-20 minutes.
*In doing these poses, it’s important to try to get the mind into a meditative state. This means releasing negative thoughts and quieting the mind. Find a comfortable and quiet time and place to perform your poses. Close your office door or go into a remote section of our home. Roll out your yoga mat, relax and enjoy!
