Need to relax amidst the chaos of the world at the moment?
Here are 8 poses in 2022 to help you ease anxiety and find inner peace…
- Happy Baby Pose
The Happy Baby Pose is a deep stretching pose that can help loosen up tight hamstrings and hips while also calming your mind. Begin the pose by sitting on your mat, bringing one leg straight out in front of you with your heel on top of your other leg’s foot. Gently bend forward, folding at your waist as far as possible. You should be able to feel a gentle stretch along your inner thigh. Hold for 10-15 breaths. Repeat on the opposite side.
- Camel Pose
Start by sitting on your knees, with your feet together and arms outstretched. Lean back slightly and let your forehead touch your legs. Stay in position as long as possible, eventually moving back up into a seated position. In addition to being relaxing, it’s also great for relieving tension and stress!
- Standing Forward Bend Pose
To release stress and tension in your body, try standing forward bend pose. Stand tall with feet a few inches apart. Bend forward and rest your hands on your legs or knees; if you have tight hamstrings, keep your knees slightly bent. Bend deeply at the waist so that your head touches or nearly touches your shins, letting out a sigh of relief when you touch the bottom. Breathe in as you go down and breathe out as you return to standing position. Repeat three times for best results.
- Triangle Pose
With hands at the heart center, step your right foot back into a half-moon stance. Exhale and sweep arms up and overhead. Inhale and gaze up; exhale as you gaze down while keeping your spine straight. Hold 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Warrior 2 Pose
This standing, one-legged pose offers a deep stretch for your quadriceps, hip flexors, and inner thighs while also challenging your balance. Stand with one foot in front of you and slightly turn out. Extend your arms out in front of you at shoulder height, parallel to the floor. Bend your back leg’s knee, turning it in toward your chest as you exhale. Reach up through both arms and gaze forward. Hold for 5–10 breaths then switch sides.
- Bow Pose
This is a fantastic stress-relieving pose that will calm you down while also stretching your lower back. Begin on your hands and knees, with arms shoulder-width apart and knees hip-width apart. Make sure your wrists are directly under your shoulders and hips are directly under your knees. Now sit back until you feel a stretch in your hamstrings, then lean forward slightly to deepen it.
- Tree Pose
This relaxing, tree-based posture is perfect for those feeling a little wobbly after one too many holiday treats. Stand straight with your feet together, arms extended out to your sides, hands clasped in front of you. Next, slowly lean forward and interlace your fingers behind your back; hold for 10 seconds.
- Final Relaxation Pose
This pose will help you center yourself and prepare for meditation. It’s best done in a quiet area with little or no distractions so you can focus on your breathing. Inhale deeply, then exhale all of your breath out and tense up every muscle in your body, including those in your face. Hold it for several seconds, then relax each muscle group as you exhale until they are all relaxed. Repeat several times until you feel at ease and calm.
Whether you’re traveling, working out from home or just need a stretch following a stressful day, these poses are perfect to center your mind and body.
Want to practice yoga on a deeper level? Join us at Anamaya for world-class trainings, expert instructors and a view you won’t soon forget.
