YOGA POSES FOR ANXIETY

Everyone deals with it to some degree. For some of us, anxiety can creep up and throw us into a state of panic or allow it to affect the rest of our lives and decision making. If you turn to yoga as a way to exercise a mind, body, and spirit connection, you are familiar with how the practice grounds us, allows us to release pain, anxious thoughts, and conflict. However, there are some poses in particular that can specifically help you target your anxiety and deliver you back to a space of inner peace and calm.

Child’s Pose

One of the most fundamental poses in the practice, child’s pose allows us to take rest and regroup in between some of the more challenging poses, but it is also one that can be performed in any space at any time. The pose allows us to focus in on the rhythm of our breaths, relieve pressure from the neck, shoulders, and back, and calm the nervous system.

Begin the pose by positioning yourself on your hands and knees. Slowly fold your upper body back and allow your torso to rest on your thighs, while letting out a smooth exhale. Give your back a nice long stretch by keeping your arms outstretched in front of you body as you rest your sit bones on your heels. Stay in this space for as long as you need to regroup and refocus.

Viparita Karini or Inverted Lake

By simply resting your legs against the wall with arms outstretched, and spreading your back muscles against the floor, you can alleviate a tremendous amount of stress on the body. This pose also helps to reinvigorate your circulation and bring you back into the present moment. This pose is also known for relieving menstrual cramps and depression, improving digestion, and improving issues with the eyes and ears.

While doing this pose, be sure to rest the back of your legs, from your heels to the sit bones, against the wall. Leave a slight bend in the knees to avoid locking. A towel or two can also be used to support your lower back. Be sure to bring your awareness to you slow, steady inhales and exhales.

Headstands or Shirshasanas

Headstands are extremely effective in moving blood and oxygen throughout the body to the brain and can deeply alleviate anxiety. This pose helps to flush out the adrenal glands which can help to create more positive thoughts as well. This pose takes practice, but because it is a challenge to our minds and bodies, it allows us to shift our focus immediately to the present and away from anxious thoughts.

Beginners can use a wall to practice the shirshasana, however, we can arrive at this pose from a number of ways. One way is to begin with a wide-legged forward bend with your toes turned in slightly. Interlace your fingers in a double fist and place them behind your head as you slowly bend forward. Raise your legs slowly over your head, while maintaining your breath. Your head and hands should act as a tripod base as you flex your core muscles.

Whether you are advanced or a beginner, these three poses can be performed anywhere and can immediately help quell negative feelings and thoughts. Next time, you feel the anxiety creeping up, take a moment and use your body and breath as the vehicle for self soothing.

For more information on ways to strengthen your practice, visit www.mindyourbodyoasis.com or call 703-567-1290. Class schedules are available online as well.