Whether or not we like to acknowledge it, we’re constantly surrounded by stress. Working to meet deadlines, staring at electronic screens, caring for the family – all these things are stressful, even if we enjoy doing them! If you find yourself needing a quick time to recenter – or even if you don’t! – these five yoga poses will be beneficial.
Easy Pose (Sukhasana)
Easy Pose is simply a seated, cross-legged position. Focus on relaxing your legs and feet so that they rest comfortably on the floor. Maintain a neutral spine and gently place hands on knees – either facing up or down. Aim to stay in this position for at least a minute, observing your breathing pattern in the process. Option: Practice this pose with your back against a wall for added awareness to your posture.
Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)
From Easy Pose, extend both legs in front of you, while you bring your hands by your hips and straighten your arms. Flex your ankles and touch your big toes together, while keeping a small space between your heels. Inhale as you lengthen your torso and exhale as you gently fold over your legs. As you continue to inhale, focus on lifting, and lengthening the upper body and, as you exhale, gently release into the stretch (as your body allows). Maintain this pose for 6-10 slow breaths and come up slowly out of the bend to release.
Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
Come to a standing position with your feet paralell, around hips-witch apart. Gently rock forward and back, pretending your feet are rooting into the ground. Repeat the visualization as you rock side to side. As you return to a stationary position, feel all four corners of your feet plant firmly on the ground. Keep Stay tall through the crown of your head, as you reach our arms down, palms facing forward. Soften your eyes and breath slowly. Stay in this position for a minute, while focusing on your breathing and alignment.
Child’s Pose (Balasana)
Child’s Pose is a wonderful posture to feel a gentle stretch in your back, hips and thighs, In order to get into this pose, come to a hands-and-knees “all fours” position. Spread your knees and touch your big toes together, while keeping the tops of both feet on the mat. Inhale and extend your arms forward. Exhale and slowly sit your hips back onto your heels. Keep your head and neck in a neutral position, as you rest your forehead on your yoga mat and slowly continue to breath. When you choose to exit this posture, remember to move slowly!
Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Begin by laying on your back with your legs extended forward and arms relaxes by your sides. Keep your head centered and slowly close your eyes. Observe your breathing and try to focus on relaxing every single muscle in your body. Let your body feel heavy and “sink” into the mat as you continue to breath.
To Finish: If you’ve combined all these poses in order as a simple flow, remember to ease slowly between movements. In order to exit Savasana, roll to your right side and slowly come up to a seated position.
