Yoga For Stress Relief
Do you ever spend hours in a row hunched over a computer? Does your back sometimes ache? Or maybe you just feel stressed out. If any of these statements describe you, you’re in luck: Yoga can help. This quick and easy workout is designed to relieve your tight spots, unlock your body, and prime you for optimal performance and mental clarity. Perform these 12 poses in order, holding each for about 10 breaths, unless otherwise specified. Once you’re done, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this simple solution sooner.
Reclining Cobbler
Start by lying back on a cushion (or a rolled blanket). Keep your feet together and knees to the sides. Breathe for a few minutes.
Supported Child’s Pose
Straddle the cushion with your knees, sitting on your heels. Stay for 10 to 20 breaths, then turn your head to the other side and hold for another 10 to 20.
Lateral Child’s Pose
Remove the cushion and walk your hands to one side, feeling a stretch along the ribs and shoulder on your other side. Breathe, then crawl your hands in the opposite direction, repeating the stretch on your other side.
Cat
From hands and knees, exhale and push into the floor as you round your back, relaxing the neck and pointing the crown of the head to the floor.
Cow
On an inhale, lift your tailbone, arch your back, and gently look up. Then exhale and return to Cat, the previous move. Repeat for several breaths, performing Cow as you inhale, and Cat as you exhale.
Threading the Needle
Take one elbow or shoulder to the ground, pressing into your opposite hand as you look up. Take care of your neck here; don’t push too far.
Arms Overhead
Sitting or kneeling, lift your arms overhead with your fingers interlaced and palms up. Try to keep your spine in a neutral position, not leaning forward or backwards.
Arms Overhead
Sitting or kneeling, lift your arms overhead with your fingers interlaced and palms up. Try to keep your spine in a neutral position, not leaning forward or backwards.
Clasp your hands behind your back, and then lift them with bent or straight elbows. Feel the stretch in your chest.
Arms to the Side
Take both hands to the right side of your waist. Drop your right ear toward your right shoulder, stretching your left shoulder and the left side of your neck. Repeat on the other side.
Supported Bridge Return to your cushion, resting the back of your pelvis on it while your shoulders and head lie on the floor. Feel the stretch in the front of the hips. Stay a minute or so.
Supported Corpse Slide the cushion beneath your knees as you relax completely on your back. Scan your body for tension and release it everywhere you can. Rest here for five minutes or more.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/slideshow/556195-yoga-for-stress-relief/#ixzz1plHCmzGE
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