Anxiety Relief Yoga Poses

Anxiety Relief With Yoga

Yoga is known for its stress-relieving benefits, but getting to the point of true stress-relief can feel challenging without the proper guidance. 

With so many reasons why yoga helps people relieve anxiety, I want to be clear that these poses are just one small part of many reasons yoga is helpful for our mind, body, and spirit.

If you are looking to relieve stress, check out my YouTube videos on Breathing, Stillness and Concentration.

As you move through these poses, bring your attention to your breath. If your thoughts start to scatter, then come back to your breath once again. Practice stillness in each pose by gently setting your eyes at one point and taking 5 - 10 deep breaths for each pose. 

1. Wide Leg Forward Fold 

• Start standing in mountain pose. 
• Step your right foot out to the side of your mat 4 to 4.5 feet. 
• Check that toes are pointed towards the long side of your mat.
• Place both hands on hips and fold forward. 
• Stay for 4 full breaths and come back to standing.

2. Seated Forward Fold 

• Stretch both legs out in front of you.
• Reach out and grab both feet or place a strap around the ball of your feet if needed. 
• Straighten your back by pulling your shoulder blades down towards the ground. 
• While keeping your back straight, bend forward and reach your chest towards your knee. 
• Switch Sides 

3. Supported Bridge 

• Lay on your back with both knees bent. 
• Press the feet into the floor and press your hips up towards the ceiling
• Place a block on the base of your spine.
• Relax the arms and shoulders down into the mat 
• Hold for 4 breaths & remove the block to get out of the pose. 

4. Legs Up The Wall 

• Lay on your back with both knees bent. 
• Extend both legs into the air making a 90-degree angle with your legs and torso. 
• Flex your feet so that your toes are pointing towards your head.
• Option to press your legs against a wall for maximum relaxation
• Relax and soften in your back, chest, and neck. Allow your body to melt into the floor.
• Hold this pose for 2 - 5 minutes.

Walkthrough these poses with me step-by-step here: https://youtu.be/dXGY7U8ONdc