| Stress and tension is part and parcel of everyday life. | | | | stretch up with your arms and repeat the posture |
| Even the most well-prepared and seasoned yogi | | | | once more. |
| experiences stress. | | | | 2. Cobra Pose - Lying on your front, bring your heels |
| In essence, stress results from how you react to | | | | and legs together and keep them relaxed. Bend your |
| changes in your life, from simple actions such as | | | | elbows and place your hands flat on the floor beneath |
| picking up the phone to phone a friend to more | | | | your shoulders. Tilt your head forwards until your |
| complex situations such a preparing for your first birth; | | | | forehead touches the floor. Keep your elbows and |
| the way you respond to these events determines the | | | | shoulders tucked in. Inhale and without pushing down |
| impact the stress will have on your life. | | | | on your hands, slowly raise your head, neck and chest |
| The practice and teachings of yoga teach you how to | | | | off the floor, using the muscles of your upper back. |
| respond in a calm and positive way towards situations. | | | | Try to press your hips and legs down into the floor, |
| If, for instance, you blew your top at your partner for | | | | allowing only your upper body to be lifted up. Keep the |
| something they failed to do, then some simple yoga | | | | legs soft and breathe slowly and deeply for 3 - 5 |
| stretches or breathing exercises helps to restore your | | | | rounds. Take a deep breath and exhale as you roll |
| sense of inner calm, balance and peace. Once you | | | | slowly out of the posture. Make a pillow with your |
| release the negative energy then it is easier for you to | | | | hands and resting your cheek on the pillow, rest for a |
| move on, see the other person's point of view and | | | | few minutes. |
| make a choice on how to further respond to the | | | | 3. Half-Spinal Twist - Sit on the floor with your legs |
| situation. Nothing is ever cast in stone and at each | | | | straight. Bend your right knee, cross it over your left |
| moment in time you have the option to respond in a | | | | thigh and place your right foot flat on the ground next |
| more loving, compassionate way to situations. | | | | to your left knee. Put your right hand flat on the floor |
| If you have reacted in a way that leaves you feeling | | | | behind you, with the arm straight. Raise your left arm |
| hurt, angry or frustrated then practice the following 3 | | | | straight up above your head. Twist to the right; keep |
| yoga poses. As you practice take time to focus on | | | | both buttocks on the floor. Bring your left arm around |
| your breathing, to be gentle and respect the way your | | | | the right knee to clasp your right ankle. Stay still and |
| body feels. With time and practice, you will gradually | | | | focus on your breathing. Take 3 -5 rounds of steady |
| regain your sense of proportion and graciousness. | | | | yogic breathing. Feel the massage you are giving to |
| 3 Easy Yoga Poses to Relieve Stress | | | | your internal organs and enjoy the sensation. Relax |
| 1. Seated Forward Bend - Sit on the floor or bed with | | | | from the pose, return your body to the centre and |
| your legs straight out in front of you and toes pointing | | | | repeat on the opposite side. |
| up. Inhale and bring both arms up parallel to your ears. | | | | The seated forward bend, cobra and spinal twist are |
| Stretch your spine. Lean forwards from your hips, | | | | ideal poses to practice when you feel stressed, |
| keeping the back straight and lifting up from your hips. | | | | frustrated or upset. They will help release any stress |
| Grasp your legs wherever comfortable as you allow | | | | and tension you may feel in your body. Take your time |
| the head, neck and shoulders to relax while keeping | | | | with the poses and see how great you feel |
| the chest open and eyes looking forward. Hold the | | | | afterwards. Enjoy and please let me know how you |
| pose for 3 -5 rounds of deep yogic breathing. Inhale, | | | | feel. |