This week I’m very focused on staying sane and keeping my stress levels in check. There is a lot of work to do, a bunch of events, and several major decisions to make. Since I don’t have time for my regular workout schedule I’m focusing on other stress relief options.
I came across this post about quick yoga poses for stress relief on Diets in Review:
Too high?: Your head is buzzing, your body and mind are constantly on the go. You feel overstimulated and burnt out. You put others before yourself to a fault, and your mental and physical health has been neglected. You’re looking to find rest and quiet.
Try: Forward folds (This one is Paschimottanasana, or a basic seated forward fold). They are cooling, quieting, and help create a calm relationship with your breath.
Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. You may slightly elevate your hips on a folded blanket or block if that is more comfortable. Inhale sit nice and tall, reaching your arms up to the sky. Exhale, slowly fold forward at your hips (not your waist). Rest your hands on your shins, ankles, or hold the soles of your feet. Hold for 1-3 minutes. Inhale and slowly rise back up to seated.
Too Low? When life gets overwhelming you tend to shut down and slow down. You’re not sure how to interact with others or face your emotions, so you just don’t. You’re looking for a way to process and open up.
Try: Backbends, like fish pose. Backbends are gently stimulating, bringing breath and energy to face whatever life hands you.
Lie with your back on the floor and your knees slightly bent. Raise your hips high enough to rest your hands underneath your tailbone. Inhale, press your forearms into the floor firmly as you lift your chest and shoulder blades off the ground. Your head and hips stays on the floor, creating an exaggerated arch in your mid- and upper-back. There should be a minimal amount of weight on your head to avoid injury. Hold for 15-30 seconds, breathing smoothly. Exhale, lower down and hug your knees into your chest.
Thanks to Yoga instructor and health coach Rosie Acosta, who teaches in Portland, OR and shared these poses with Diets in Review! Check out the whole article.
I’m testing these out this week. Maybe you’ll benefit too?
Call me crazy, but I actually enjoy doing back bends. They seem so relaxing, as opposed to other yoga positions like crane etc. lol
Thanks for sharing these poses. I keep forgetting that yoga brings you immediately into the present moment.
Hello there!
This is actually what I am looking for! Thank you for sharing these yoga poses. I am actually a gym addict but lately I find yoga very interesting that is why I am also doing yoga now to relieve stress. please keep us posted.
I’m gonna try the backbend one. That looks relaxing to me for some reason!
Thank you for sharing! I have been wanting to try yoga for a long time now. I just could not find the right timing but seems like I all I am seeing lately on tv and on the news are about yoga. I saw a quick portion of a talk show on tv and they were interviewing Pink and Kate Beckinsale as one of the many famous celebrities who practices yoga. I have always admired Pink for her no nonsense and sincere attitude towards music and her life in general. She is a role model for women. I will definitely be doing yoga from now on.
can’t stop thinking about wor even at home…Forward fold is exactly what i need right now!
These exercises are great for working out and staying in shape. One thing to think about would be to have the proper equipment in place when performing these activities. For example, if the wrong flooring is in place, this could lead to additional stress and shocks to the body. If the correct flooring or mats are in place, this ensures the fitness lover/doer that they will receive a healthier, more productive workout.