Asanas For Stress Management

Namaste!

Have you guys read the meme that says “Stress if Stressful” ?

We tend to worry about the littlest things that will probably seem insignificant in a week or two, no? In this post, I'd like to share with you all some asanas that I think work best for stressful days. These asanas are so simple you might feel like they don't work, but stick with them and I promise you’ll see the difference!

1. Shashankasana

Starting off with the simplest of them all, this asana only requires that your forehead and elbows touch the floor and your butt rests your heels. If you aren’t able to naturally touch your forehead to the floor, then feel free to use a as many pillows as it takes to make this pose a comfortable one.

Shashankasana helps collect your adreneline and supress Cortisol which is the main hormone influencing Stress.

2. Parvatasana / Mountain Pose

An excellent full body stretch! This asana is one of my favourites, I try to incorporate this asana into my study routine, taking a 2 minute break to help clear my mind and stretch out all those muscles to get some energy flowing.

3. Ananda Balasana / Happy Baby Pose

Holding the feet, expose the navel by parting the knees to hip width gap and keeping the knees close to the chest. Oscillate gently from side to side, like a baby would. This pose helps softly massage the back muscles and as funny as it looks, it's super fun to do. This pose is one of my favourites, try smiling while doing it and you'll truly feel like a kid again.

4. Dhyana Veerasana / Hero's Meditation & Gomukhasana / Cow's Face Pose

I find that just sitting in this asana with my eyes closed really helps calm my nerves and organise my thoughts. There's something about it that makes me feel so good. You guys should try it and let me know if it helps you the same way too!

5. Tadasana / Tree Pose

This asana helps engage your diaphragm and abdominal breathing. Abdominal breathing is the key to helping you relieve stress and breathing deeper.

I personally find this asana so challenging, it requires the both balance and a good stretch to sustain it.

Practice each asana between 5-7 times before moving onto the next one!

For those of you stressing about exams, don't forget to also take a break and have a cup of coffee or tea and watch an episode of Friends!