Covid-19 Pandemic has affected every sphere of our life and mental health is no exception to that. Research conducted by ICICI Lombard General Insurance, reveals that 74 percent of women and 80 percent of men live under stress because of overload of work and insufficient rest and the pandemic situation has definitely added to the stress levels.
To calm your mind and relieve stress, Yoga can be really helpful.
Here are some Yoga Asanas which can be helpful for stress relief.
Sukhasana
Sukhasana lengthens your spine and opens your hips and helps you to calm down and eliminate anxiety. Also, it calms the central nervous system, which reduces mental and physical exhaustion.
How to do it
- Start by sitting down with your spine straight and extend your legs in front of you.
- Fold the left leg under the right thigh.
- Then place the right foot under the left thigh.
- Keep your palms on your knees
- Align your head, neck and spine upright in a comfortable position.
- Close your eyes and relax your whole body.
- Try to stay in this position for 60 seconds and then change the crossed legs.
Balasana (Child’s pose)
Beneficial for your lymphatic system and nervous system, Child’s Pose is a gentle stretch for the back, hips, thighs, and ankles. It is helpful in calming your mind and releasing stress. Also, stretching can help you in relieving back pain.
How to do it:
- First kneel down and sit on your heels.
- Now, bend forward till your chest touches your thighs.
- Keep your hands at rest on the side.
- Hold this position as per your capacity and breathe deeply.
Paschimottanasana (Seated forward bend)
Paschimottanasana is helpful in calming the brain and in relieving stress. This asana stretches your spine, shoulders, and hamstrings, which stimulates the liver, kidneys, ovaries, and uterus. Apart from relieving stress, this pose is helpful in easing the symptoms of PMS, improves digestion, and relieves symptoms of menopause.
How to do it:
- Sit down on the mat and extend your feet forward.
- Now bend forward till your stomach touches your thighs.
- After bending forward, hold your feet with your hands.
- Stay in this position for 30 seconds and then slowly return to the original position
Uttanasana (Standing forward bend)
This yoga asana helps to calm the brain and relieves stress and mild depression. Calming your brain and stimulating your kidneys and liver it maintains your health.
How to do it:
- stand tall and bend forward while exhaling
- Now, bend your knees enough to be able to place your palms on the floor, with head pressed against your legs
- Straighten your legs for deeper stretch.
- Hold this position for three to four deep breaths and then return to the original position.
Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Savasana calms your mind and central nervous system. It also Reduces headache, fatigue, and anxiety. Additional benefits of this asana are that it lowers blood pressure, Promotes spiritual awakening and awareness of higher consciousness.
How to do it:
- Lie flat on your back without any props and pillows.
- Keep your legs comfortable apart and let your feet and knees relax completely, toes facing to the sides.
- Place your arms alongside and leave your palms open, facing upward.
- Stay in this pose for some time
Yoga has several physical and mental health benefits. When it comes to stress-relieving practices, yoga is the best way to keep your mind calm and positive. Practicing yoga on a regular basis can bring enormous positive results in anyone’s health and life.