Stress is a regular part of most peopleÕs lives, but it doesnÕt have to be! Regular exercise, such as a yoga routine, can help reduce the stress of the day-to-day rush. Here are five simple poses that will help you de-stress your body and mind.
1. Supported Shoulderstand
Being upside down can bring new perspective to things (literally!) and help you release what isnÕt necessary, such as your stress.
Lie flat on your mat. Exhale, pressing your arms to the floor and push your feet upward, drawing your thighs toward your torso. Curling your pelvis, bring your knees above your head and then gradually straighten your legs until they are perpendicular to the floor, using your hands to support your hips. Soften the throat and tongue while breathing.
2. Camel Pose
This pose exercises your balance and strengthens your core, all while offering a wonderful front-body stretch.
Kneel on the floor with your knees hip-width apart. Press your shins and the tops of your feet into the floor. Rest your hands on the back of your pelvis, then slowly lean back. To deepen the pose, lean back further and rest your palms on your heels. If you need to, you can curl your toes under your feet to lift your heels off the floor.
Click Here: 5 Easy Yoga Exercises You Can Do At The Beach
3.
ChildÕs Pose
Also called the restorative pose. This simple pose will release tension in your hips and along your spine, and can be used as a resting pose during your sequence.
Kneel on your mat, sitting on your heels. Keep your knees at hipÕs width apart. Exhale and lie forward, letting your torso rest between your thighs. Keep your tailbone turned to the floor. Let your arms rest to either side, palms turned upward, shoulders dropped.
4. Cat and Cow Poses
Wake up your spine and release stress in your neck and head when you combine these two poses.
Kneel on your hands and knees, each shoulder and hip-width apart. Tuck your tailbone down and pull your spine upward, while drawing your chin to your chest. As you exhale, invert the pose, turning your face to the sky and pushing your belly downward. Repeat several times in a row for full effect.
5. Happy Baby Pose
This hip-opening pose is perfect at the end of a long day (or morning).
Lie on your back with your knees drawn to your chest. Hold the outer edges of your feet with your hands and the, drawing your shoulders to the floor, pull down on your feet. Let your knees go outward, stacking ankles above knees. Try to keep your tailbone pressed against the floor.
Yoga isnÕt just for stressed out adults! Keep your kids active, flexible, and healthy with the KidsÕ Yoga program at the Wilmington Yoga Center, located just upstairs above Tidal Creek. Moms can enjoy a separate class at the same time, then meet back with the kids for a smoothie at Tidal Creek!