Hatha Yoga Poses for Stress Relief

The therapeutic function of yoga is frequently referred to as a natural stress remedy. This is due, in part, to the meditative aspect of the practice. In addition, yoga postures help to increase body awareness and coordination, which can be calming in both a physical and mental sense.

If you’re new to Hatha yoga, you might be wondering if it has similar benefits to traditional yoga. Well, Hatha is a more physical practice. It’s the most common type of yoga practiced in America, so you probably won’t have trouble finding a studio or class near you. Here are a few poses to consider for your routine stress relief.

Bridge Pose

To help with stress relief you can start with the bridge pose. It helps to strengthen your back and open up the chest, improving lung capacity. It also relieves tension in the shoulders and neck.

This is a great pose for beginners because you can practice it with the aid of a wall or chair with someone’s assistance. The pose needs to be done either on your knees or with your feet flat to the ground. If you have a lot of stress or tension, start with the pose on your knees.

Slowly lean back until your shoulders are on the mat or floor and bend your back like the hump of a bridge. This is a modified bridge pose. Make sure your head and neck are as close to the mat as possible. Hold this pose for thirty seconds or longer, breathing deeply.

If you are more flexible, move your feet out so they are flat and create the bridge with your back again. Stretch your arms toward the sky. Make eye contact with them if it is comfortable for you to do so. Hold this pose for thirty seconds or longer, breathing deeply.

Cobra Pose

From the bridge pose, release your back slowly out of the arch. Slowly roll over onto your knees and then lay with the front of your legs flat to the ground. You can also lay flat with your stomach on the ground or mat.

From either of these poses, move your arms into a pose similar to one for push-ups. Push up slowly and move so your chest is open and facing out, like a cobra. Hold this pose for thirty seconds or longer, breathing deeply.

This pose releases stress from your chest and chest muscles as well as your back. It can also release stress in the upper arms and shoulders.

Corpse Pose

When you are finished with the cobra pose, you can roll slowly onto your back and go into the corpse pose.

Lay flat on your back with your arms out to your sides. They should be out at a slight angle with your palms facing up. Your legs should be spread shoulder-width apart. Breath slowly in this position.

Many people just use this as a resting posture when they don’t have the time for a full yoga pose sequence. As a result, it is extremely therapeutic. Corpse pose can aid in the reduction of arm, leg, and head tension.

Lotus Pose

If you’re still in need of some meditation at the end of your stress relief yoga session, consider the lotus position. With your legs crossed and palms up on your knees, you sit upright with a straight back. Begin your meditation by breathing slowly in and out.

If you’re doing the exercises at home or elsewhere outside of bed, consider concluding your session with the corpse pose. This combination will help you to relax and sleep better.

If you have a lot of stress or tension, try a fifteen-minute yoga session two times per day at first. Gradually work your way up to a half-hour each time if it is beneficial for you.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the more common Hatha yoga poses that can aid in stress relief. The most effective option is to combine these Hatha yoga postures with stress-relieving practice like a bedtime ritual or meditation session.

As a rule of thumb, it’s best to go for a yoga session after you wake up in the morning and before bedtime each day. If practicing poses during the day is impractical for you, try to squeeze in both sessions so your body can reap the maximum benefits of this powerful stress-reduction technique.

Finally, don’t forget to talk with your doctor before engaging in any type of yoga, especially if you have a medical condition that affects your mental or physical health.