5 Yoga Poses to Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Child's Pose (Balasana)

Child's Pose is a gentle yoga pose that can help calm the mind and reduce stress. Start by kneeling on the floor with your toes touching and knees hip-width apart. Sit back onto your heels and fold forward, stretching your arms out in front of you. Rest your forehead on the floor or a block and breathe deeply. Stay in the pose for a few breaths, then slowly come back up to a seated position.

Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Downward-Facing Dog is a classic yoga pose that can help relieve tension in the back and shoulders, which are common areas where we hold stress. Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Lift your hips up and back, straightening your arms and legs so that your body forms an inverted V shape. Press your hands and feet into the mat and take several deep breaths. Slowly lower back down to your hands and knees to release the pose.

Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana)

Standing Forward Bend is a gentle inversion that can help calm the mind and release tension in the back and hamstrings. Start standing with your feet hip-width apart and fold forward, bending your knees as much as needed to touch the floor or a block. Let your head hang heavy and breathe deeply. Stay in the pose for a few breaths, then slowly come back up to standing.

Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)

Cobra Pose is a gentle backbend that can help open up the chest and relieve stress and tension in the upper back. Start lying on your stomach with your hands under your shoulders. As you inhale, press into your hands and lift your chest up, keeping your elbows close to your sides. Keep your shoulder blades down and back and breathe deeply. Stay in the pose for a few breaths, then slowly lower back down to the floor.

Corpse Pose (Savasana)

Corpse Pose is a relaxing yoga pose that can help calm the mind and promote deep relaxation. Start lying on your back with your arms by your sides and allow your body to completely relax. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, letting go of any tension or stress. Stay in the pose for several minutes, or longer if desired.