Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people suffer from these feelings at some point in their lives. However, the good news is that practicing yoga can help alleviate these feelings. Yoga is a mind-body practice that helps to calm the mind and reduce stress. In this article, we will discuss the top 5 yoga poses that you can practice daily to help alleviate anxiety and depression.

1. Downward Facing Dog 🐶

Downward Facing Dog, or Adho Mukha Svanasana in Sanskrit, is a pose that helps to calm the mind and reduce anxiety. This pose stretches the back, hamstrings, and calves, and strengthens the arms and shoulders. To practice this pose, start on your hands and knees, with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Then, lift your hips up and back, straightening your arms and legs. Stay in this pose for at least five deep breaths.

Image of a person doing Downward Facing Dog pose

2. Child’s Pose 🧒

Child’s Pose, or Balasana in Sanskrit, is a restorative pose that helps to calm the mind and reduce stress. This pose stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles, and can help to alleviate back pain. To practice this pose, start on your hands and knees, with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Then, sit back on your heels and lower your forehead to the ground. Stay in this pose for at least five deep breaths.

Image of a person doing Child's Pose

3. Cobra Pose 🐍

Cobra Pose, or Bhujangasana in Sanskrit, is a pose that helps to reduce anxiety and depression by opening up the heart and lungs. This pose strengthens the back muscles and can help to alleviate back pain. To practice this pose, lie face down on the ground with your hands under your shoulders. Press into your hands and lift your chest up, keeping your elbows close to your sides. Stay in this pose for at least five deep breaths.

Image of a person doing Cobra Pose

4. Warrior II Pose 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️

Warrior II Pose, or Virabhadrasana II in Sanskrit, is a pose that helps to alleviate anxiety and depression by strengthening the legs and opening up the hips. This pose also strengthens the shoulders and arms. To practice this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Step your right foot back and turn it out, so that your right foot is parallel to the back of the mat. Bend your left knee and lift your arms, so that they are parallel to the ground. Stay in this pose for at least five deep breaths, and then repeat on the other side.

Image of a person doing Warrior II Pose

5. Legs Up the Wall Pose 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️

Legs Up the Wall Pose, or Viparita Karani in Sanskrit, is a restorative pose that helps to calm the mind and reduce stress. This pose also helps to relieve tension in the legs and feet. To practice this pose, sit with your left side next to a wall. Lie down on your back and lift your legs up the wall. Stay in this pose for at least five deep breaths.

Image of a person doing Legs Up the Wall Pose

In conclusion, practicing yoga is a great way to alleviate anxiety and depression. By practicing these poses daily, you can reduce stress, calm the mind, and improve your overall wellbeing. So why not give it a try today?

Image of a person mediating in a peaceful environment