Stress is present in everyone’s life. Some might feel it strongly and some might experience the mild version of it. But no one can deny its existence. Busy schedules, academic pressure, lack of sleep, conflicts with peers, workload, etc. are the main causes of emotional stress. The good news is that no matter how many stress triggers there are in your life, you can still cope with it. One of the best ways to do this is to practice yoga. In this article, we will help you to know how yoga can relieve stress.

Benefits of Yoga – Why to Practice Yoga for Stress Relief

Yoga is not just a physical activity. It is not only connected to the body but also the mind. It helps in many different ways to relieve stress. Here are the best reasons why you should practice yoga for stress-relief:

• Yoga relaxes both your muscles and your mind.
• Yoga helps you to get more flexibility.
• It helps you to correct your posture.
• It releases feel-good hormones endorphins.
• It helps you to be more aware of your present moments and enhances concentration.
• Yoga helps you to get rid of physical pain.
• Yoga helps you to sleep well.

Yoga Poses for Beginners

Now that you know the benefits of yoga, the first question that comes to your mind is – Which type of yoga is best for stress relief? Many yoga poses can help you to release stress. But you should always go for the simple and easy poses if you are practicing yoga for the first time. Here are some simple yoga poses for beginners:

1. Forward Bend Pose

This is one of the easiest yoga poses for stress relief. You need to start standing with your feet hip-distance apart. Inhale and raise your arms to bring them above your head. Then exhale and bend your knees to bring your palms on the floor. Make sure to bend from the waist. Hold this position for 6 to 7 gentle breaths. Next, inhale and stretch your arms out and come back to the standing position.

2. Childs Pose

This is one of the most relaxing yoga poses for beginners. Sit on your heels with your legs and toes together. Exhale and lift your torso to bring it between your thighs. Place your head on the ground. Also, stretch your hands out with your palms up. Hold this yoga pose for 7 to 8 gentle breaths before coming back to your start position.

3. Cat-cow Pose

Start in a tabletop position with your wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Exhale and round your back with your chin down toward the ceiling like a cat. Then inhale and gaze towards the ceiling while you arch your back with your chin up. Flip the positions for at least 1 minute.

4. Legs-up-the-wall Pose

This yoga helps to relax your mind. Lie on your back with your legs up on the wall. Make sure that your knees are straight and your hips are very close to the wall. You can keep your arms in any comfortable position. Either place them on your belly or stretch them out. Hold this pose for 15 to 20 minutes. This is one of the easiest yoga poses for beginners for stress relief.

5. Corpse Pose

Corpse pose is the best yoga for stress relief. It provides complete relaxation for the body. Lie on your back with your legs together and arms at your sides. Make sure that your palms are facing up. Allow yourself to breathe naturally. Focus your attention on each body part starting from your feet to the top of your head and release tension from each one. Relax your eyes and face. Hold this pose for 10 minutes before bringing your awareness back to your body with deep breathing.

Many people practice yoga for stress relief as it provides balance, strength, and flexibility to the body. Also, no one can deny the calming effects of yoga. All in all, you can only know the benefits of yoga once you start practicing it. The above-mentioned yoga poses for beginners are simple poses to get one started. Once you learn these poses, you can try for more difficult poses. After all, yoga not only helps you for your overall well-being, it also improves your focus, decision-making, willpower, and the list never ends. So, are you ready to make this spiritual and ascetic physical activity “yoga” a part of your life to live a stress-free life?