These 3 yoga asanas can help you de-stress after a tough day

So many of us are finding it increasingly hard to cope with stress at work, which is only further aggravated by excessive caffeine intake, fast-paced urban environments and distorted sleep cycles.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stress has been classified as the health epidemic of the 21st century. In general, the levels of unhappiness and stress-induced anxiety in the modern world are increasingly causing a health crisis. 

Stress is the body’s way of reacting to any circumstance(s) that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these circumstances with physical, mental, and emotional responses. This is where yoga can help, as its benefits are innumerable. This ancient Indian practice of physical, mental and spiritual confluence has for centuries relieved its practitioners of physical and mental duress. Yoga reduces levels of cortisol — a hormone that impacts the degree of stress one feels.

Therefore, here are three asanas that will help you calm your mind and de-stress:

1. Palming

This pose will relax your eyes and help them recover from the constant stress of light.

You may also like

Working from home? Strike the right balance with these tips Watch Video

This unique technique can release stress and improve your mood! Read Article

Instructions:

• Sit quietly with your spine straight, and close your eyes.
• Take a few deep breaths to relax.
• Rub the palms of your hands vigorously, until they become warm. Place the palms gently over your eyelids.
• Stay in this position until the heat from the hands has been completely absorbed by the eyes.
• Keeping the eyes closed, lower your hands.
• Rub the palms again and repeat the process three to five times.

Also, watch:

2. Child’s pose

This movement stretches and relaxes your spine, glutes, and hamstrings, helping to release tension in your lower back and neck.

Instructions:

• Sit on your shin bones with your knees together, your big toes touching, and your heels splayed out to the side.
• Fold forward at your hips and walk your hands out in front of you. Next, sink your hips back down toward your feet.
• Gently place your forehead on the floor or turn your head to one side. Keep your arms extended or rest them along your body.
• Stay in this pose for up to five minutes, while continuing to breathe deeply.

3. Savasana

This penultimate yoga pose is performed at the end of one’s practice session to help meditate, relax and reduce the stress levels in our body.

Instructions:

• Lay on your back with your feet spread and palms facing up.
• Notice your breathing.
• Relax every part of your body from your face to your fingers and toes.
• Stay in this pose for as long as you want.   

Also, watch:

So, roll out that mat and try these three simple poses, which can be practised twice or thrice a week initially. With time, it can be made a part of your daily routine to help you de-stress.