Yoga Poses for Anxiety
by Bea Walker / July 20, 2023
In the midst of a chaotic world, yoga offers a sanctuary for both body and mind. The practice of yoga asana not only promotes physical strength and flexibility, but also provides powerful tools to manage anxiety. By combining breath control, mindful movement, and meditation, yoga can help calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and acts as a powerful antidote to anxiety.
Through the practice of yoga, we can find solace in the present moment and cultivate a profound sense of inner peace. While all yoga asana are designed to help balance and unite mind, body, spirit and promote inner peace, the following poses in particular can be very helpful for easing acute anxiety.
1. Balasana (Child’s Pose)
Balasana gently stretches the back, relaxes the shoulders, and calms the mind. By folding forward and resting the forehead on the floor, this pose invites introspection and deep relaxation. The grounding sensation can help release tension, relieve anxiety, and create a sense of safety and surrender.
2. Malasana (Yogi Squat)
Malasana is a grounding and calming pose that opens the hips and releases tension in the lower body. It promotes a sense of stability and balance, helping to calm an overactive mind. This pose encourages a connection with the earth, allowing anxiety to dissipate as you find a sense of rootedness and stability within yourself.
3. Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (Pigeon Pose)
Eka Pada Rajakapotasana is a powerful hip-opening pose that releases deep-seated tension and emotions. By stretching the hips, thighs, and glutes, this pose helps release stored tension in the body, which can be beneficial for those experiencing anxiety. Being fully supported by the surface beneath you can help you surrender into the pose allowing for a deep release of emotional and mental stress, and a greater sense of calmness.
4. Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
Vrikshasana symbolizes strength, balance, and rootedness. By grounding one foot into the earth while lifting the other leg, this pose requires focus and concentration, redirecting your attention away from anxious thoughts. Tree Pose cultivates stability, enhances body awareness, and promotes a sense of inner strength and tranquility. Balancing poses help clarify the mind as you focus on one fixed point.
5. Viparita Karani (Legs Up the Wall)
Viparita Karani is a restorative pose that involves lying on your back with your legs elevated against a wall. This gentle inversion allows blood to flow back to the heart, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. By relieving tension in the legs and calming the nervous system, Viparita Karani helps induce a state of deep relaxation and rejuvenation.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician*