Reduce Anxiety With These 6 Yoga Poses

yogalifestyles , March 8, 2016

Over 40 million Americans need something in their lives that will help reduce anxiety.

Sometimes, anxiety is caused by a long, stressful day at work, a tense conversation with a family member or nothing at all.

From exercise to deep breathing — there are tons of ways to cope with anxiety. And one super simple, quick fix is yoga.

Before you declare that you don’t have the time, energy or patience for yoga, you should know that you can do most of these poses in your bed.

Doesn’t that make it sound more appealing? I thought so.

Without further ado, here are six easy yoga poses to help you calm down.

Cat Cow

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Get on all fours with a relaxed, neutral spine. Tuck your tailbone under and drop your head, then alternate the posture with an arched back to release any tension.

Extended Puppy

Similar to child’s pose, extended puppy pose is almost entirely the same, just on your knees instead of curled up into a ball.

Forward Fold

forward-fold

Stand up straight and then bend forward at the hips as far as you can go. You might rest your hands on your shins, the ground or a block. Inhale deeply. For a more releaxed version, grasp opposite elbows.

Legs-Up-The-Wall

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This pose is an easy way to get your blood flowing in the opposite direction and it’s pretty simple. Just find a wall, get as close to it as possible and put your legs up against it.

Child’s Pose

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Sometimes when you’re feeling anxious all you want to do is curl up in a ball and hope the ground swallows you. This pose will allow you to do just that. Knees should be apart and toes should be together. Extend your arms outward and bring your forehead to the mat. Just take some deep breaths and remember that everything is temporary.

Pigeon

pigeon

Start in downward facing dog, lift one leg and place it in front of you, parallel to the front of your mat. Sit up straight with your back leg extended.