In today’s world, where people are prone to stress, anxiety, and depression, it’s more important than ever to search for ways to relax your mind. Relationships, work, school, and/or financial worries all take a toll on our bodies and minds, and yoga can be a welcome break from the pressures of everyday life.

According to studies, a regular yoga practice may help you fight stress, anxiety, and depression.  

While yoga overall is very useful for calming the mind, we’ve selected five poses, which, when practiced mindfully, can make a big difference in your overall stress levels.

1. Child Pose (Prasarita Balasana)

This pose stretches your lower back and hips, which can be very relaxing and help decrease fatigue. To try out this pose, first sit on your heels, leaving a gap between your thighs. Then, extend your upper body on the floor, your midsection resting between your thighs, and your arms fully extended on the floor. Take several long, deep breaths in this position. This position can be held for up to five minutes, or longer if you wish.

Few Benefits:

• Stretches and Opens the hips, thighs and the legs

• Stretches and expands the entire back

• Acts as a restorative pose for the hip and back muscles

• Stretches and expands the spine

• Pressure at the stomach and the abdominal muscles helps in digestion

• Relaxes the muscles and calms the mind

• Normalizes circulation of blood throughout the body

• A great way to relax during menstruation cycle: This pose is considered good to practice by women during their menstrual cycle, as it calms the mind while the lower back and the lower abdomen is placed at this stretch with props and support. Hence it comforts and controls the symptoms occurring from PMS.

2. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)

This pose is challenging, but it’s very effective at the same time. It enhances your energy level and mood, and strengthens your back. For the cobra pose, lie face down, position your palms on the floor shoulder width apart. Keep your lower body and pelvis grounded at all times, then inhale and lift your chest off the floor, while your lower body stays in place. Keep your attention on lifting from your core, rather than simply resting on your arms. You can hold the pose for a number of long, deep breaths, then let your body rest on the floor as you exhale.

Few Benefits:

• Helps in better digestion, stimulating appetite, relieves flatulence and constipation.

• Improves thyroid glands

• Tones the kidneys which help with purification of blood, removing any stagnant blood and improving the health of the whole body.

• Tones the ovaries and the uterus and helps to remove any disorders in connection to the uterus. Thus this Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) also helps during menstruation.

3. Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)

There are three warrior poses. Warrior II Pose is a simple yoga pose, which can help release stress and tension. When doing this pose, let yourself be reminded of your inner strength and ability to stand strong against the challenges of life.

Few Benefits:

• Hamstrings are stretched and opened to the maximum

• Stretches the knees, ankles and the foot:

• Tones the leg muscles

• Stimulation of the internal organs

• Helps improve lower back pain

• Opens the chest giving room for deep breathing

• .Boosts concentration and stamina

• Expands and strengthens the shoulders and arms

• Awareness of body to maintain balance

4. Dancers Pose (Natarajasana)

This is a cool yoga pose, and it’s not only for dancers. Anyone can implement this pose into their yoga routine. It’s a beautiful pose that symbolizes grace and elegance. You can do this pose with a light and happy feeling, as though you were a dancer. Not only can it release stress, but it also opens up the chest.

Few Benefits:

• Stretches and strengthens the hamstrings, calves and the quadricep muscles.

• Beautiful asana to tone the arms and the shoulders

• Activates the entire spine

• Improves concentration and memory

• Tones abdominal organs

• Improves digestion

• Activates Thyroid Glands

5. Crow Pose (Kakasana)

This is a very effective pose, but it’s not an easy pose to try. Although it takes some time to master the crow pose, you will be proud of yourself when you finally get the hang of it.

This pose can enhance your focus, strength, and concentration. When doing this pose, let the mind be happy and calm. In Sanskrit, this state of mind is called prasanna chetana, a pleasant, relaxed awareness. Having a strong mind can also help you overcome the symptoms of depression.

Few Benefits:

• Builds into the awareness of the body and hones the mind-body connection

• Helps us conquer fear and accept and embrace life with courage

• Strengthens abdominal muscles and therefore improves digestion

• Builds physical strength and improves overall flexibility

Mental and emotional health is just as important as physical health. When ignored, stress can affect our physical well-being, as well as our mental peace.

Making yoga a regular part of your life can help you manage stress and lower the risk of stress-related health problems.

Angela Elliott : Yoga classes online

Angela Elliott: Yoga studio Classes

Angela Elliott Yoga in collaboration with art of living

This article was provided by https://artoflivingretreatcenter.org/blog/yoga-poses-calm-your-mind/ and revised by Angela Elliott