Better Balance + Flow

We live in a fast-paced world, one that requires us to be constantly on the go. The need to slow down, centre and de-stress is becoming more and more apparent. Although there are plenty of ways that we can carve out some time for self-care, there’s nothing quite like yoga and meditation to help quieten mental chatter and let go of our worries. In fact, basic yoga poses (Asana) are said to have been intended in ancient times to warm up and loosen the body to prepare for long periods of sitting in meditation.

Through yoga and meditation we can be more in touch with our bodies and minds. This helps us to be more conscious and aware of what’s going on around us, creating a stronger relationship with ourselves and teaching us to love ourselves more. It’s consistently been shown to help reduce stress levels and to help us to relax. By concentrating on just one thing, we are able to switch off all the noises around us, our worries and fears, so that we can enjoy a state of calmness and anchor into the present moment and just be.

How does it work?

In Asana and meditation, our nervous system moves from fight or flight mode into rest and digest mode. This is essentially the decreasing of muscle tension in the body and slowing down of the heart rate, reaching a state of calm and relaxation. Gentle yoga positions also increase the blood flow and circulation to our muscles, releasing feel-good hormones which help to leave us feeling calm and centred.

By connecting our breath during yoga poses, experiencing a sort of meditation in motion as we focus on our body, and work to centre ourselves, we are developing what is necessary to be able to sit comfortably in a long seated meditation. Although we don’t need to go on to meditate to reap the benefits of this calm state of being, it will only further aid in de-stressing, reducing anxiety and improving concentration and general well-being. 

5 Yoga Asanas For Stress-Relief

1. Sukhasana (easy pose). Sit crossed legged on your mat, connect with your breath. This is a simple seated pose to calm your mind. For a little extra stretch, add in a forward fold by slowly and gently folding forward, arms stretched out in front of you.
2. Uttanasana (forward fold). In a standing position, fold forward from your hips and bend your knees gently. Hold each elbow with the opposite hand. Focus on your breath and relax the muscles in your jaw and face. This pose will help to reduce stress, as well as relieving signs of fatigue.
3. Viparita Karani (legs up against the wall). Place your hips against the wall and shift onto your back, straightening your legs up against the wall. You should aim to keep as close to the wall as possible. As well as helping to relax, this pose facilitates lymphatic drainage and increases blood circulation.
4. Balasana (child’s pose). Start on your hands and knees and sit back onto your heels with your hands in front of you. Fold forward slowly and rest your forehead on the mat. Your big toes should be touching with your knees either apart or together. You can extend your arms out in front of you, or rest them alongside your body. Hold the pose for 10 breaths. This pose will help to de-stress as well as restoring the nervous and lymphatic system.
5. Savasana (corpse pose). This is usually the last asana, and although it seems simple, it can often be tricky to totally relax and feel the full benefits of it. Lie flat on your back with legs apart (no wider than the mat). Your arms should remain by your side with palms facing upwards. Close your eyes and connect to your breath, breathing in deeply. Allow your mind to scan your body from top to bottom, noticing how you feel, breathing in and releasing. Hold this pose for around 5 minutes to feel the full effects.

If you’re feeling a little stressed out or overwhelmed and need to de-stress and unwind, why not book a yoga lesson with me and I can guide you through an effective routine to help you de-stress. Find out more HERE.