Relaxation is vital because an overworked body defaults to survival mode, putting all other physical functions on hold. You’ll feel tired and irritable as a result. But, before that can happen, you must rest and get your internal body functioning in order. There is no better way to do this than practicing yoga poses for relaxation. They efficiently get rid of all of your exhaustion. They are fantastic, and you should try them. In this article, we have listed the different yoga poses for relaxation. Continue reading to know more. Before that, let’s discuss the role of yoga in relaxation.
Yoga For Relaxation
Relaxing yoga helps you find balance and serenity. Yogic breathing and poses unburden your body of tension locks created in it all day long. But do not confuse it with sleeping. Relaxation yoga is not lazily lying down and chilling. It is a structured and conscious format of taking rest after a continued effort. The process results in revitalizing your nerves and brings together scattered energy in your body. It helps you to completely give in to gravity, calm your mind, and take in the life force through deep breathing. It is that simple and if practiced right, can re-energize you very easily and help you get back to work with renewed energy. Now, let’s check out some relaxing yoga poses.
Yoga Poses For Relaxation
1. Balasana (Child Pose)
About The Pose: Balasana or the Child Pose resembles the fetal position of a baby. ‘Bala’ is a Sanskrit word that means child. It is a beginner level Vinyasa yoga asana. This asana should be practiced on an empty stomach. Hold the pose for 1 to 3 minutes for best results. Pose Benefits: Balasana releases tension in the back, shoulders, and chest. It reduces stress and anxiety and gently stretches your hips, thighs, and ankles. The pose also calms your mind and steadies your breathing. To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here: Balasana
2. Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose)
About The Pose: Viparita Karani or the Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose is a solution to many problems. It is a beginner level Hatha yoga asana. Viparita Karani is a mild inversion and works best when practiced in the morning on an empty stomach. Hold it for 5 to 10 minutes. Pose Benefits: Viparita Karani regulates your blood flow. It relieves swollen ankles and restores tired legs. It also relieves mild back aches and symptoms of insomnia. Viparita Karani helps those suffering from mild depression.
3. Makarasana (Crocodile Pose)
About The Pose: Makarasana or the Crocodile Pose resembles a crocodile with its head above the water. The pose is perfect to end a strenuous yoga session. It is a beginner level Hatha yoga asana. Practice Makarasana on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning. Hold it for 3-5 minutes. Pose Benefits: Makarasana deeply relaxes your shoulders and back. It stretches your hip muscles, treats hypertension, and relieves fatigue. It also relieves all the tight knots in your body.
4. Supta Matsyendrasana (Reclining Fish Pose)
About The Pose: Supta Matsyendrasana or the Reclining Fish Pose is a twisting pose and is named after a yogi called Matsyendra, a disciple of Lord Shiva. It is a beginner level Hatha yoga asana. Practice the asana on an empty stomach and clean bowels. Hold it for 30 to 60 seconds. Pose Benefits: Supta Matsyendrasana massages your back and hips. It removes toxins from your body and encourages a new flow of blood to your digestive organs. The asana relieves stiffness in the body. To know more about the pose and its procedure, click here: Supta Matsyendrasana
5. Supta Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose)
About The Pose: Supta Baddha Konasana or the Bound Angle Pose is a reclining pose that is very easy to do. It is a beginner level Vinyasa yoga asana. Practice it in the morning or evening on an empty stomach. Hold the pose for 30 to 60 seconds. Pose Benefits: Supta Baddha Konasana lowers blood pressure and decreases muscle tension. It provides relief from panic attacks and fatigue. The asana also keeps headache at bay.
6. Shavasana (Corpse Pose)
About The Pose: Shavasana or the Corpse Pose is the classic relaxation pose. It requires you to sleep flat on your back and stay immobile like a dead body. Shavasana is a beginner level Ashtanga yoga asana. You can practice this asana anytime of the day. Be in it for 5 to 10 minutes. Pose Benefits: Shavasana soothes all your muscles. It stimulates blood circulation and is beneficial for those having neurological problems. The asana gives you a deep and meditative rest. We also put together some cautions to keep in mind during the practice of these poses. Check them out below.
Cautions For Relaxation Poses
If you are suffering from a chronic backache, back injury, or have a degenerative disk disease, practice these asanas with care and under the guidance of an instructor. During practice, if you feel any firm pinch or pain, gently come out of the pose and rest. Some frequently asked questions on relaxation yoga poses are mentioned below. Take a look. I find it difficult to give in to the pose and relax in it. How do I overcome it? Regular practice and focusing will help you completely relax in the poses. Give it time and be patient, it will get you there. How often do I practice relaxation poses? Practice the poses every day either once at the end of the day or whenever you get tired after a strenuous activity and need to relax and rejuvenate. Which yoga is best for emotional release? Kapalbhati and dirga pranayama are good for releasing pent-up emotions and emotions that lay close to the surface. Which pranayama is best for anxiety? Anuloma viloma (also known as nadi shodhana) or alternate nose breathing is a good pranayama practice for anxiety and depression.
