Namaste, my beloved readers! My name is Kavya, and I’m a yoga practitioner with several years of experience. Stress and anxiety have become a common phenomenon in our daily lives, and it is essential to eliminate them before they overcome us. Yoga plays an instrumental role in reducing stress and anxiety, which is why today, I’ll take you through ten different yoga poses that will help you relax and find your calm.

1. Child’s Pose 🧘

Child’s Pose is an excellent way to relieve stress and anxiety as it enables you to focus on your breath. Start by kneeling with your knees wide apart and your toes touching. Stretch your arms out in front of you, resting your head on the ground. Now take deep breaths in and out of your nose, feeling the stress melt away.

A person sitting in the Child's Pose with their arms stretched out.

2. Downward-Facing Dog 🐶

This pose deepens your breathing and promotes calmness. Begin on your hands and knees with your palms flat on the ground. Lift your hips upward, and straighten your legs to make an inverted ‘V’ shape. Keep your palms and feet flat on the ground, and breathe in deep through your nose and mouth.

A person doing the Downward-Facing Dog pose, creating an inverted 'V' shape with their body.

3. Standing Forward Fold 🙏

The Standing Forward Fold soothes anxiety while also targeting your hamstrings. Stand straight and fold forward from your hips while exhaling. Hold your calves or ankles and let your head hang down. Take deep breaths and let go of the tension in your body.

A person bending forward and holding onto their calves or ankles in the Standing Forward Fold pose.

4. Seated Forward Fold 🧘‍♀️

This pose is perfect for those who want to calm their minds while still engaging their bodies. Sit with your legs stretched outward, inhale while lifting your arms overhead, exhale, and fold forward. Reach towards your feet, hold onto them, and let your head and neck relax.

A person in the Seated Forward Fold pose, bending forward and reaching for their feet.

5. Cobra Pose 🐍

By opening your chest and improving your breathing, the Cobra Pose helps reduce stress and anxiety. Lie on your stomach with your palms and toes on the ground. Inhale and lift your chest while keeping your elbows close to your body, exhale and release.

A person doing the Cobra Pose with their chest lifted off the ground and their palms on the floor.

6. Warrior II 🥋

The Warrior II pose strengthens your leg muscles and enhances focus. Stand with feet apart and turn your right foot outwards. Lift your arms to shoulder length parallel to the ground. Look over your right arm and take deep breaths.

A person standing in the Warrior II pose with their right foot turned outward and arms extended to the sides.

7. Tree Pose 🌳

Stabilize and concentrate your mind with the Tree Pose. Stand straight, place your foot on your opposite thigh, and balance. Place your palms together in front of your chest and breathe deeply.

A person in the Tree Pose, standing on one leg with their opposite foot resting on their thigh.

8. Corpse Pose 💀

Corpse Pose is an excellent pose for total relaxation. Lie flat on your back, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. Release any thoughts from your mind and enjoy the calmness.

A person in the Corpse Pose, lying flat on their back with their eyes closed.

9. Bridge Pose 🌉

Bridge Pose activates your core, thighs, and back muscles while reducing stress. Lie flat on your back, bend your knees and place your feet near your tailbone. Press onto your feet and lift your hips. Rest your shoulders on the ground, place your arms beside your body and breathe.

A person in the Bridge Pose, lifting their hips with their hands resting beside their body.

10. Eagle Pose 🦅

The Eagle Pose relieves tension in your neck and shoulders while calming your mind. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees, and lift your right leg, cross it over your left knee, and wrap your left arm over your right arm. Take deep breaths and release. Repeat on the other side.

A person in the Eagle Pose, crossing one leg over the other and wrapping their arms around each other.

I hope this guide helps you with your stress and anxiety. Incorporate these yoga poses into your daily routine, and see the difference for yourself. Take care of your mental health and stay mindful. 🙏

An image of a person meditating and finding inner peace.