YOGA POSES FOR ANXIETY
YOGA is my therapy and it has been for many years! But NOW more than ever, I have found so much peace, strength, perspective, emotion, and release on my mat. It is a powerful place that is keeping me healthy mentally, emotionally, and physically. Just like everything else in health, wellness, and fitness, there are foods, exercises, things, you can do naturally to cure symptoms of pain, stress, or weakness. Today I am sharing FOUR of my favorite yoga poses that always make me feel strong yet also help ease anxiety and stress.
I am beyond grateful that the gyms and studios are back OPEN here in Charleston and I have been taking full advantage of it! It is amazing how much I look forward to working out with other people. We really need that human connection and it is something I have enjoyed immensely over the past few weeks. Last week I was at The Works five times! The teachers, the workout, the studio, the women who I practice with...It feeds my soul. I feel strong, inspired, and enlightened. This week I have already taken 4 classes. Five classes are the max for me physically and mentally. Since the room is heated and the workouts are intense, this is about all my body can handle. It is A LOT, but you have to do what works for YOU and makes YOU feel good. We are all different with our needs, goals, appetites, so take the time to always listen to your body and what brings you JOY! Because now more than ever, you need to do exactly that!
On to yoga and my favorite poses that help with ANXIETY! Remember that these yoga poses have multiple health and physical benefits, so it is a win-win. They help improve your strength, flexibility, and overall well-being so that you can be a better person inside and out and better to those around you.
TRIANGLE POSE
One of my favorites, because it does ALL THE THINGS for not just my mental health, but my physical health too. Triangle pose stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, ankles, hips, groins, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, chest, and spine…Oh YES! It also helps relieve stress, anxiety, and improves digestion! WOWZERS…Perfect to add to your flow at the end of your practice or your turn!
HALF MOON
GOSH, this pose is beautiful! It strengthens the core, ankles, thighs, butt, spine, and stretches the groins, hamstrings and calves, shoulders, chest, and also the spine! It improves coordination and sense of balance, helps relieve stress, and also improves digestion. This pose offers many variations as well that can help improve your strength and flexibility. We do this ALL the time at The Works!
FORWARD FOLD - BIG TOE POSE
This pose feels OH SO GOOD for me, especially after running and lifting heavy on leg day! It stretches the hamstrings, calves, hips, and strengthens the thighs and knees (yes, having strong knees is important…lol…But this pose also improves digestion. reduces fatigue, anxiety, and helps relieve headaches and insomnia. Hmmm…pretty sure I have felt all of those symptoms since March and pretty sure that forward folds have definitely helped.
UPWARD FACING DOG
A pose that you just have to melt into and soak up all the goodness. Upward facing dog improves your posture, while strengthening the spine, arms, wrists, and stretching your chest, shoulders, and core! It also helps relieve mild depression, fatigue, and anxiety. There is a reason why this powerful pose is always included in sun salutations!
And because sometimes we need to lighten things up a little bit...Do you know what also helps with anxiety and stress? This cookie sandwich from Harris Teeter! This monster of a cookie sandwich is absolutely delicious, it is under $4.00, and the sugar high is unexplainable, but gosh darn it is good and when you need a good old fashioned sugar dose of deliciousness, this will do it. Because YES being healthy and fit is important, but enjoying life and treating yourself to things that make you happy is also just important.
Want to know my favorite yoga poses for tight hamstrings? Check this blog post out HERE!
What are your favorite poses to reduce anxiety and stress?
