10 Yoga Poses for Stress
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTMaj340b2M
Stress is something that most people deal with on a daily basis, and is the root cause of most diseases over a prolonged time frame by comprising the immune system. Everyone adapts to stress differently and has different coping skills. This is why no two people react exactly the same way to any given situation. The key to coping with stress is a balanced diet, regular exercise and yoga. Relaxation is important. Calming the nervous system is essential for the repair and healing of the physiological effects of stress.
You will need a yoga mat, a block, a strap or elastic exercise band and a blanket. These props will help support some of the poses.
Mountain Pose - Tadasana
Establishes stability with mobility, aligns natural spinal curves and supports deep breathing and improves balance. Mountain Pose is the foundation for all other yoga postures, especially the standing poses. When we align our structure in integrity, we become like a mountain -- stable and solid, yet mobile and malleable. When we stand in mountain pose, as in sitting meditation, our spine rests in its natural curves and is able to move force easily, giving the posture both grounding and lightness.
Standing Side Bend
Relieves bodily tension - Is not a traditional yoga pose, but it ought to be. Many of us do this movement intuitively when we want to unwind tension. It's a helpful pose to do before and after sitting meditation, or anytime during the day -- first thing in the morning, or on breaks from your computer desk.Stand on your mat in mountain pose.
Wall Dog Pose - Adho Mukha Svanasana
Revitalizes tired arms, relieves sore shoulders, stretches hamstrings, lengthens torso and encourages deep breathing. Like standing side bend, this is a perfect 1-minute stretch break at work, in addition to providing an excellent sitting practice. Wall dog pose is a variation of downward dog.
One-Leg King Pigeon Pose - Eka Pada Raja Kaptasana
Stretches the abductors and stretches the hip rotators. Pigeon pose is especially helpful in stretching the muscles that need to elongate in order for you to sit comfortable in a cross-legged position.
Cross-Leg Revolved Pose - Parivrtta Sukhasana
Rotates the spine, expands the chest and relieves general back discomfort.
Supported Bridge Pose - Setu Bandhasana
Alleviates neck and shoulder pain and eases headaches and nervous stress. This pose purifies the body as it calms the mind. Physically, the head-down position, combined with neck flexion, soaks the lymph glands in the neck and throat with blood.
Eagle Arms Pose - Garudasana
Stretches shoulder muscles and opens the upper back.
Revolved Belly Pose - Jathara Parivartanasana
Eases back tension and calms the nervous system. There is nothing like a gentle spinal twist to unravel tension in your back. This pose helps to soothe complaining back muscles. It also massages your internal organs.
Reclining Leg Stretch
Is an excellent pose for stretching your hips, groin, hamstrings, calves and ankles. This pose can also strengthen your legs, relieve tension in your lower back and improve the circulation in your legs.
Supported Bound-Angle Pose - Supta Baddha Konasana
Calms the nervous system, soothes the digestive system, relieves menstrual cramps, opens the inner thighs and eases mental agitation. This pose grounds "monkey mind" energy as it restores vitality. Its abdominal-opening quality focuses energy into the lower body, which opens the inner thighs.
Website - http://www.lexiyoga.com
