Do you feel stressed out? Do you feel like you can’t get a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? If so, we have the perfect solution for you! In this blog post, we will provide you with a 20 minute yoga routine that will help relieve stress and tension. Yoga is a great way to connect with your body and mind, and it has been shown to be an effective way to reduce stress levels. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Symptoms of stress
Physical symptoms of stress
feeling tense or tight in your muscles
headaches
difficulty sleeping
upset stomach or indigestion
fatigue
Emotional symptoms of stress
feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or out of control
feeling irritable, anxious, or moody
having difficulty concentrating or making decisions
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, yoga may be a good option for you. Yoga can help to relax the mind and body, and it can also help to improve sleep quality. In addition, yoga has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression. If you are new to yoga, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.
How yoga can help with stress management?
Yoga can help you manage stress in a few different ways. First, yoga helps to focus your attention on the present moment. This can be helpful when you’re feeling stressed because it can help you to stop ruminating on past events or worrying about future problems. Second, yoga helps to improve your breathing. When we’re stressed, our breathing becomes shallow and rapid, which can make us feel even more anxious. By practicing yoga and focusing on deep, controlled breaths, we can help to slow down our heart rate and relax our body and mind. Finally, yoga also helps to increase flexibility and strength. This can be beneficial because it can help us to physically release tension that we may be holding in our body due to stress.
Yoga poses for stress relief
There are a variety of yoga poses that can help to relieve stress.
1. Sukhasana (Easy Pose)
This pose is a great way to begin your yoga practice because it helps to ground you and focus your attention on your breath.
To get into this pose, sit with your legs crossed and your back straight. Then, place your hands in either Anjali Mudra (prayer position) or resting them on your knees. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths.
2. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold)
This pose is a great way to release tension in the back and shoulders.
To get into this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart and your hands on your hips. Then, fold forward at the hips, letting your head and arms hang heavy. Take several deep breaths in this position.
3. Child's Pose
This is a restorative yoga pose that can help to calm the mind and body.
To get into child’s pose, start by sitting on your heels with your knees hip-width apart. Then, slowly lean forward and lower your forehead to the ground. You can also place your arms by your sides or extend them in front of you.
4. Cat/Cow Pose
This is a gentle yoga flow that helps to release tension in the spine. To do this pose, start on all fours with your hands and knees shoulder-width apart. As you inhale, arch your back and look up toward the ceiling. Then, as you exhale, round your back and tuck your chin to your chest. Repeat this flow for a few minutes.
5. Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose)
This pose is perfect for when you’re feeling stressed and exhausted. It helps to calm the nervous system and can be done by anyone, regardless of their fitness level or yoga experience. To get into this pose, start by sitting next to a wall with your legs extended straight in front of you. Then, roll onto your side and slowly scoot your body up against the wall until your legs are resting against it. Once you’re in position, swing your arms overhead and relax for a few minutes.
6. Shavasana (Corpse Pose)
This is the perfect yoga pose to end your practice with. It helps to relax the entire body and can be done by anyone, regardless of their fitness level or yoga experience.
To get into this pose, lie on your back with your feet hip-width apart and your arms by your sides. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths. Stay in this position for as long as you like.
7. Nadi Sodhanam (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
This Pranayama helps to calm the mind and ease anxiety.
To do this pranayama, start by sitting in a comfortable position with your eyes closed. Then, place your right hand in front of your face and use your thumb and first two fingers to block off your right nostril. Inhale deeply through your left nostril, then close off your left nostril with your ring finger and exhale through your right nostril. Repeat this cycle for a few minutes.
8. Bhramari Pranayama (Humming Bee Breath)
This pranayama helps to soothe the nervous system and can be done anywhere, at any time.
To do this pranayama, start by sitting in a comfortable position with your eyes closed. Now close your ears with your index finger, take a deep breath in and as you exhale, make a “hmm” sound by humming through your lips. Repeat this for 11 times.
Yoga Nidra (Sleep yoga)
This yoga practice is perfect for when you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed. It helps to relax the mind and body and can be done by anyone, regardless of their fitness level or yoga experience.
To do yoga nidra, find a comfortable position lying down on your back with your eyes closed. Then, take several deep breaths and focus your attention on each part of your body, beginning with your toes and moving up to your head. Once you’ve done this, allow yourself to drift off into a deep sleep.
If you’re looking for a way to reduce your stress levels, yoga may be the answer. Yoga has been shown to improve mental and physical health, increase energy levels, and boost self-esteem. In addition to the many benefits of yoga, it’s also an affordable and convenient form of exercise that can be practiced almost anywhere. So if you’re looking for a way to de-stress and improve your overall health, consider adding some yoga classes to your weekly routine.