In today's fast-paced world, feelings of being overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed are common. Practising yoga for stress relief for just a few minutes each day can help calm the mind and ease these emotions.
We spoke with Steph Cabrera, a yoga teacher and breathwork coach, who shared with us her favourite relaxing yoga poses and breathing techniques to alleviate anxiety and stress.
Try these three yoga poses for 15 minutes a day, focusing on syncing your movements with your breath, and experience the difference they can make to your mood and mindset. As Steph says, 'we can change how we feel by controlling how we breathe and move'.
EASY POSE
Start by sitting comfortably with your legs crossed and your hands resting on your knees. Close your eyes and inhale deeply through your nose, filling your lungs with air, then exhale through your mouth, releasing all the tension in your body with a big sigh. Repeat for five minutes, allowing your mind to become more relaxed with each breath.
CAT-COW
Get onto your hands and knees, with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Inhale through your nose as you drop your belly and lift your chin (cow pose) for a count of four. Exhale deeply through your nose as you tuck your belly in and round your spine (cat pose) for a count of eight. Continue to inhale with cow pose and exhale with cat pose, repeating this movement for five minutes.
FORWARD FOLD
Forward Fold Pose is a calming pose that helps to relieve tension in the neck and shoulders. Begin by standing with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale through your nose for a count of five, lifting your arms up towards the ceiling. Exhale through your nose for a count of five as you fold forward. Relax your head and neck, and let your arms hang down towards the floor. Repeat for five minutes.
By incorporating these three poses and breathing techniques into your daily routine, you can reduce anxiety and stress, and create a calmer, more relaxed mind and body.
To guide you through this yoga for anxiety and stress practice, check out our Instagram video below where Steph demonstrates these poses and breathing techniques. Don't forget to follow us for more.
