Health & Wellness

Yoga Poses for Anxiety and Stress

Yoga is very beneficial and effective in curbing a number of diseases like hypertension, diabetes, asthma, depression, PCOD, lower back pain and many more.

One can perform yoga when feelings of anxiety start to creep in or the stress is overwhelming.

Given below are the ten best yoga poses which you can perform for anxiety or stress:

1.   Nadi Shodhana (Channel-Cleaning Breath)
It is the perfect way to bring focus and oxygen to your brain. This pranayama increases parasympathetic activity and has a calming effect on the mind and helps in de-stress.

2.   Bitilasana and Marjaryasana
The cat and cow pose are often paired together and performed in the beginning. The gentle stretch releases tension from the spine and opens the chest and upper back.

3.   Setubandha (Bridge Pose)
This asana relieves migraine, nervous exhaustion, insomnia and stress-related headaches. It stretches the chest, neck, shoulder and spine, and calms the body and alleviates stress.

4.   Balasana (Child’s pose)
This asana is a very effective resting pose which helps in calming one's mind and releasing stress. It also relieves neck and back pain and creates a feeling of comfort and self soothing.

 
5.   Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose)
Viparita Karani helps slow down racing thoughts, relieves tension, headache and creates calming relaxation. It helps in reviving energy.

 
6.   Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
It calms the brain, soothes headaches and helps reduce anxiety and fatigue.

7.   Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle pose)
This pose has a calming effect on the brain due to its synchronous breathing technique and provides a better supply of nutrients towards the brain and other organs because of better blood flow throughout the body.

8.   Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
Ustrasana  helps in releasing pent-up stress and ensures enhanced blood circulation throughout the body.

9.   Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
 This asana improves the rhythmic breathing pattern, activates the nervous system and improves blood circulation in the body.

10.   Ardha Chandrasana (Half-moon pose)
Ardha Chandrasana helps in relieving stress, improves coordination and a sense of balance. It also strengthens the ankle, thigh, buttocks and spine.