If you work at a computer daily or endure physical stress, the neck area can carry much tension that can stay with you for days. Yoga can help release tension and relax the muscles of the neck.
Give these yoga poses a try.
Seated twist
- Have a seat on your mat with your legs criss cross. Keeping the right leg in criss cross (heel tucked near the left buttocks), bend the left leg up and place the left foot to the outside of the right knee.
- Hook the left elbow over the right knee, palm up and facing forward. Inhale, then on your exhalation, press the left elbow into the right knee further, creating a twist. Continue to twist as you press your left palm into the ground near your left buttocks.
- Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths. Release by unhooking the elbow, lift the left foot off the ground and unwind the rest of the body.
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.
Child’s pose
- Come to a kneeling position on the floor with your heels under your buttocks and your knees wide.
- Sit back on your heels, resting your torso on your thighs. Place your forehead as close to the floor as possible.
- Place your hands flat on the floor. Spread the fingers apart and stretch the arms gently forward.
- Release any tension in your neck and shoulders.
- Close your eyes. Relax and breathe smoothly for 10 deep breaths.
Corpse pose
- Lay down on your mat. Allow your legs to relax wide and your arms to fall to the sides and away from your body.
- Scan your body mentally. Relax and release all tension from the body. Breathe easily, inhaling and exhaling slowly.
- Lay in corpse pose for as long as you desire.
Extended Puppy pose
- Begin on your hands and knees. Reach your hands, palms down, as far out in front of you as possible.
- Send your hips back toward your heels, with your thighs vertical. Drop your forehead to the floor. Sink the chest closer to the floor for a deeper stretch. Breathe while keeping a slight curve in the lower back.
- Hold the pose for 5 breaths.
