5 easy yoga poses that can seriously relieve anxiety

According to the The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) about  40 million U.S. adults suffer from anxiety. It’s the leading mental health issue for adults in America. And even if you don’t suffer from an anxiety disorder, everyone faces some stress and anxiety on a regular basis.

That’s where yoga comes in

Yoga is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. It helps you focus and pay attention to the body and breath. According to ViraYoga founder Elena Brower, this can work to decrease any anxiety symptoms while also releasing the physical stress your body may be feeling.

 “Our bodies are programmed to heal naturally, and what stops that healing are all the stressors of daily life. Yoga dissolves those stressors for the time during practice and usually the effects last for hours after.

You don’t need to be super flexible to get into some of these posses. Which is really great. The important thing is to find a pose that you enjoy and helps you feel better!

1. Eagle Pose (Garudasana)

This pose promotes symmetry and helps us pay attention to the body. Also, it’s great for focusing on our balancing and concentration skills. It’s recommended to hold this pose for 30-60 seconds. And if you need a wall or a chair to hold your balance, go for it!

2. Child’s Pose (Balasana)

This pose may look silly, but we know from experience that it definitely works! Sitting on the knees and bending forward with arms forward or by your side can be extremely relaxing.  It can also help slow your mind down from racing thoughts. You can hold this pose for however long you want, it’s great for meditation.

3. Corpse Pose (Savasana)

The pose might have a morbid name, but it’s definitely soothing. And it’s simple: lie down flat on your back, with your arms at your sides, and simply focusing on the breath from anywhere from one to ten minutes. By sinking our bodies in the ground it’s easier to be aware of our bodies and focus on our breathing.

4. Legs Up The Wall Pose (Viparita Karani)

This pose helps increase blood flow and circulation throughout our bodies. By inverting the typical actions that happen in our bodies when we sit and stand, it’s a great way to restore energy. You get calming results without having to work hard or stretch into a difficult position.

5. Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana)

According to Brower forward bends are great for calming our nervous system down. While strengthening your thighs and your knees, it also soothe the mind through inverting our bodies. Like the Legs Up the Wall pose, this movement helps us focus on our breathing. It helps to be in the pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

As always, check with your doctor before trying any new exercise, even yoga. But it’s important to pay attention to our bodies. Stress, anxiety, and depression can take its toll. So it’s important to find little ways to make ourselves feel better. Everyone deserves peace of mind! <3