In this rushing world, we can find stress and anxiety common in people. People spend most of their time engaging in their work, and they don’t make time to take care of themselves.
If I said spending just 30 minutes daily in any kind of physical workout can improve your mental health, do you believe it? Yes, numerous options are available, such as yoga, exercises, etc.
Staying up with anxiety and stress isn’t normal anymore. Here, let us explore some yoga poses for anxiety that will help in improving your mental health.
How does Yoga Help with Anxiety?Â
While many say yoga is for anxiety, many have numerous doubts. Let us clear it first. People who are engaged in yoga on a regular basis experience an increased level of serotonin.
Serotonin is nothing but a neurotransmitter that makes people feel good. People who are usually depressed and stressed lack serotonin.
Therefore, through breathing exercises and meditation, yoga raises our heart rates and improves our mood. And thus, yoga becomes a great choice for relieving anxiety.  Join 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh to master yoga for anxiety.
Easy Pose
Easy pose is actually a very effective way to help you restore the self-assurance you need to manage persistent stress, worry, and sadness.
This is where the base of the spine meets the earth, giving you a strong sense of grounding. When you feel that nothing can upset you or throw you off Balance, they help you overcome anxiety.
Steps to do it:
Step 1: Sit on the floor or a yoga mat. Cross your legs comfortably.
Step 2: Ensure your torso is aligned with your hips. Try to maintain a straight and stable spine.
Step 3: Lengthen your tailbone gently.
Step 4: Roll your shoulders back and down, letting them relax.
Step 5: Let your arms rest on your knees.
Step 6: Close your eyes and take deep, relaxed breaths.
Step 7: Direct your focus towards your heart center.
Step 8: Stay in this pose for as long as you wish.
While in the easy pose, you can engage in mantra recitation or observe your breath. Both can be effective in maintaining mental clarity. Â
Upward-Facing Dog PoseÂ
The upward-facing dog pose is another great way to manage depression and anxiety. By opening your heart, this pose can assist you in releasing any stored feelings within your chest. It also helps to calm your heart and mind by regulating your respiratory system. Â
Steps to do it:
Step 1: First, lay flat on your stomach on a yoga mat.
Step 2: The balls of your feet should face upward. And your toes should point down towards the mat.
Step 3: Position your palms facing down on the mat near your shoulder blades.
Step 4: Press into your palms to lift your upper body. This will create a smooth curve in the spine.
Step 5: Lift your chest and head and keep your shoulders drawn back.
Step 6: Try to lengthen your body from head to toe.
Step 7: Take a few deep breaths in this position. It allows for a moment of relaxation.
Step 8: To release the posture, gently lower your body back down to the mat. Â
Shoulder Stand
Another great yoga for depression and anxiety is the Shoulderstands. Like downward-facing dog poses, this improves blood flow to the brain. It results in improved mental acuity and emotional equilibrium.
Steps to do it:Â
Step 1: Begin by lying down on your yoga mat. Extend your arms alongside your body.
Step 2: Bend your knees and draw your legs towards your chest.
Step 3: Press your hands firmly into the floor. So that you can lift your bent legs over your head.
Step 4: Place your hands on your back to support yourself as you extend your hips towards your head. Try to keep your legs straight at the same time.
Step 5: Maintain the pressure of your palms against your back. Your body should remain long and straight.
Step 6: Take several deep, relaxing breaths in this position.
Step 7: To release the pose, gently lower your legs back down to the mat. Â
Standing Forward FoldÂ
Even if you don’t know the name, you are probably familiar with standing forward fold pose. To put it another way, it is like just touching your toes. This pose is great for opening up the shoulders, back, and neck.
It also helps to improve blood flow to the brain. Overall, you can feel amazing if you practice standing forward fold pose daily. Â
Steps to do it:
Step 1: Stand straight and place your hands resting at your sides.
Step 2: Bend forward slightly at the hips. Keep your hands close to your hips. And slightly bend your knees.
Step 3: Aim to bring your chest towards your thighs. If it is quite complicated, try to bend the knee accordingly.
Step 4: Lower your hands down and grasp your ankles.
Step 5: Stay in this position for a few breaths. Then, gradually return to a standing position.
Tree Pose
The tree pose is one of the best yoga for stress and anxiety that improves mind focus. This traditional standing yoga pose can help you slow your racing thoughts and focus within.
Steps to do it:
Step 1: Stand upright and shift your weight onto your right foot.
Step 2: Gradually lift your left foot off the ground.
Step 3: Gently rotate the sole of your left foot inward. Position it outside your left ankle, calf, or thigh.
Step 4: Avoid placing pressure on your knee with your foot.
Step 5: Choose a comfortable hand position, such as a prayer pose at your heart center or resting by your sides.
Step 6: Maintain the pose for 2 minutes.
Step 7: Follow the same steps on the opposite side. Â
Summing Up
If you are struggling with anxiety, take some time for yourself and do whatever makes you happy. Trying out the above-mentioned yoga for anxiety and stress will aid in maintaining positive mental well-being.
