Best yoga poses: Reduce stress and anxiety with these 6 yoga asanas

If the pressures of daily life are weighing you down and responsibilities keep piling up, you may find yourself absorbing stress, anxiety, and fatigue. When you are constantly handling growing obligations without taking time to rest or manage stress, you start to absorb the mental and physical effects of these pressures. This often leads to feeling stressed, anxious, and fatigued, as your minds and bodies react to the continuous strain.

Yoga can be your answer to stress and fatigue, says Prakriti Poddar, mental health expert and Global Head of Mental Wellbeing at Roundglass Living. “Yoga is a time-tested lifestyle practice that harmonises the mind and body, offering a lifeline of balance and calm amid a whirlwind of to-dos. Multiple  studies have revealed that yoga combats stress and anxiety, improves sleep quality, encourages healthier lifestyle choices, and strengthens both mental and physical health. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, yoga helps you shift away from stress to calm.  Plus, it encourages mindfulness and spiritual wellness, boosting your mental resilience," Poddar adds.

Also read | Best yoga asanas to strengthen spine, correct posture and mobility

Here are 6  must-try yoga asanas (poses), suggested by Poddar, that will help you reduce stress and boost mental wellbeing: 

• Child’s pose (Balasana): This grounding pose eases tension in the back and shoulders while allowing a moment for introspection. It’s perfect for letting go of stress and centering the mind.

• Cat-cow pose (Marjaryasana-bitilasana): Gently flowing between these two poses helps release stored tension along the spine. It creates a soothing rhythm of breath and movement, returning your focus to the present moment.

• Standing forward bend (Uttanasana): By inverting the body, Uttanasana allows fresh blood to flow to the brain, clearing the mind. It stretches the hamstrings and relieves tension in the neck and back, making it ideal for high-stress days.

• Seated forward bend (Paschimottanasana): Don’t let the simplicity of this aasan fool you, this pose powerfully soothes the nervous system and helps release deeply held emotional tension. It’s a go-to for finding stillness in emotionally charged moments.

• Legs-up-the-wall pose (Viparita karani): This restorative pose helps lower stress levels, improve circulation, and reduce anxiety. It’s known for its deeply calming effect on both body and mind, making it a great way to reset at the end of a long day.

• Corpse pose (Savasana): It’s the ultimate pose for relaxation and emotional release. By lying still, you allow your body to fully absorb the benefits of the practice, leaving you in a state of bliss.