Hatha Yoga Poses For Stress Relief

Yoga is usually mentioned as a natural remedy for stress relief. This is due mostly in part to the meditational aspect of the practice. In addition to the meditation aspect of the tradition, there are also poses that can help with stress relief. If you are new to practicing the Hatha yoga style, you may be wondering if the style has the same types of poses or which poses the style has that can help with your stress. Here are a few poses to consider for your routine stress relief.

Bridge Pose

To help with stress relief you can start with the bridge pose. This pose needs to be done either on your knees or with your feet flat to the ground. If you have a lot of stress or tension, start with the pose on your knees. Slowly lean back until your shoulders are on the mat or floor and bend your back like the hump of a bridge. This is a modified bridge pose. If you are more flexible, move your feet out so they are flat and create the bridge with your back again. 

Cobra Pose

From bridge pose, release your back slowly out of the arch. Slowly roll over onto your knees and then lay with the front of your legs flat to the ground. You can also lay flat with your stomach on the ground or mat. From either of these poses, move your arms into a pose similar to one for push ups. Push up slowly and move so your chest is open and facing out, like a cobra. This releases stress from your chest and chest muscles as well as your back. 

Corpse Pose

When you are finished with cobra pose, you can roll slowly onto your back and go into corpse pose. Lay flat on your back with your arms out to your sides. They should be out at a slight angle with your palms facing up. Your legs should be spread at a shoulder width apart. Breath slowly in this position. This is a pose that many people use to simply stay relaxed when they do not have the time to do a full yoga pose routine. 

Lotus Pose

If you still need a bit of meditation at the end of your stress relief yoga routine, then try the lotus pose. You sit with your legs crossed, palms up on your knees, and back straight. Breath in and out slowly and start your meditation. This is a good way to end your routine if you are doing it in your home and out of your bed. If you are doing the poses in bed, consider ending with the corpse pose instead. 

These are just a few of the more common Hatha yoga poses that can aid in stress relief.  The ideal option is to mix these Hatha yoga poses with a stress relief routine such as a bedtime ritual or meditation ritual. The combination will give you a full relaxation option and help reduce stress throughout the body and mind. 
