KEEP CALM AND DO YOGA

Stress is an inevitable part of our lives. Let’s accept that we can’t just wish it away. No, no one has got calmer when told “don’t stress”. However, a few yoga asanas, when practiced regularly, can make a difference.

It is believed that doing regular asanas and pranayamas for 30 to 60 minutes in the morning, can improve the quality of life. Now, taking out that 30-60 minutes itself can be stressful, however if you do – at least 20 minutes – over a period of time your blood circulation will improve and flush out toxins making the skin youthful and you will become calmer and less stressed. And when your skin glows, you are bound to be a little happier than before. So do give these following asanas a chance (but under an expert’s supervision).

1) Anuloma and Viloma: Sit in Padmasana with your eyes closed and rest your hands on your knees. Close the right nostril with the right thumb. Inhale slowly through the left nostril, this will fill your lungs with air. Remove your thumb from the right nostril and exhale slowly, while keeping your left nostril closed with your ring finger. Repeat this 10-15 times. This pranayam improves the working of lungs, and vanishes stress from the mind and body.

2) Balasana: It is often used as a resting position in between difficult poses during a yoga practice. Sit on your knees and slowly lower your torso over your thighs exhaling so that your forehead touches the mat and your hand rest on the floor. Hold the position for 30 seconds to one minute breathing regularly and come back to the starting position.

3) Marjaryasana: The cat pose is the best pose for stress relief. It helps in stretching the spine and toning the muscles and organs of the abdomen. It improves overall health by relieving digestive problems and is also one of the most effective yoga poses to relieve PMS. Get into the table top position with your knees and palm of the hands placed on the ground. Your shoulders, elbows and wrist should be in a straight line, perpendicular to the floor. Exhale and raise your spine towards the ceiling, however your hands and knees should remain in the same position. Bend your head towards the floor. Hold the pose for 30 seconds and come back to the starting position. Repeat 5-8 times.

4) Utthita Trikonasana: The extended triangle pose is the ideal pose for stress management that helps in full-body stretching. It helps in increasing flexibility, improves digestion and relieves anxiety, depression and fatigue. Stand straight with your feet approximately 4 feet apart, raise your arms on both sides and keep them parallel to the floor. Now turn your right foot out by 90 degrees. Bend your torso to the right side while exhaling, and hold your right calf with your right hand. Your face and left hand should be pointing towards the ceiling. Hold the position for 30 seconds and come back to the starting position while inhaling and repeat the entire movement on the left side.

5) Shavasana: Last but not the least is the corpse pose or Shavasana, the ultimate yoga pose for stress relief. No yoga session is complete without this pose; it is the most calming and relaxing of all poses. It transports the body to a state of deep rest and relaxation. It helps in promoting sleep, lowering high blood pressure and calming the nervous system. Lie on your back, keeping your feet slightly apart, relax your knees and toes. Place your arms on the side of your body, your palms open and facing the ceiling. Close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply to relax your body and mind. Stay in this posture for about 10 minutes and end your yoga session in a relaxed and rejuvenated way.

So lets roll out our mats and exhale our worries out with these relaxing healing asanas.

Expert consulted: Sheela Natarajan, S Vyasa School of Yoga