Try Yoga for Stress Relief...
Find Calm, Feel Peace

Want to try yoga for stress relief? You can start by learning a few simple positions. There are so many ways yoga affects our well-being and sense of calm.

As you may have observed, yoga has become very popular as a way to relieve daily stresses. There are classes available at gyms, churches, colleges and community centers. There are also many videos and books available on the subject. As you read on, you will understand the popularity.

What exactly is yoga? How can one use yoga for stress relief?

Yoga is actually an ancient form of healing. The word itself means a union or balance of the mind, body and breath. It is a system of physical stretches done with deep breathing and relaxation.

Doing yoga for stress relief not only relaxes a tense body but heals us by cleansing our organs of toxins. It also heals by unblocking our energy channels.

Stress Relief Through Yoga

Yoga Techniques

Creating a special place for your routine gives you a place to unwind and be quiet and peaceful. Fill you special place with candles, essential oils, music, incense, pillows and blankets or anything that gives you comfort.

Using yoga for stress relief is a gift you can give yourself. Try the following techniques on for size.

Belly Breathing

Sit in a chair or on the floor with a pillow underneath you. Gently push on your stomach with one hand. Begin by breathing in through your nose and expanding your stomach as you do so. Breathe out through your nose and contract your stomach. This way of breathing sends more oxygen throughout the body which energizes and relaxes. Now doesn't that feel great?

The Corpse Pose

Lie on the floor with your legs spread about hips width apart. You can bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor if that position is uncomfortable. Keeps your arms a few inches from your sides with palms facing up. Adjust your position for comfort.

Be aware of any tension in any parts of your body. Focus your breath going in and out of your body. Imagine your breath going to those tense areas and breathing out the tension until it is gone.

When you are ready to come out of this pose, bring your body back by wiggling your toes and fingers. Then gently move your legs and arms. To finish, roll over onto one side in a fetal position. Gently come up to a seated position.

Seated Forward Bend

Start in a seated position with your legs stretched out in front of you. Flex your toes toward you. Raise your arms overhead with palms facing each other. Imagine breathing through your spine. With a straight back bend at the hips extending your torso over your legs. Keep your neck in alignment with your spine. Do this in a slow motion breathing throughout.

When you have extended your torso as far as you can go, drop your chin to your chest. Then, lower your arms toward your legs and place your hands on your legs or feet. Remain in position and breathe as you hold. When you are finished, simply roll your spine back into the sitting position. You will not feel very flexible with this position at first, but it still feels great to do.

The absolute best way to learn yoga for stress relief is from a qualified instructor. The techniques I have given are just a small sampling of the benefits you can feel from following a daily routine. Taking a yoga class also allows you to create a bond with other like minded folks.

There are also many instructional videos available if you want to learn at home. One particularly focused on stress issues is Yoga for Stress Relief by Barbara Benagh. This DVD has a bonus segment by the Dalai Lama called How to Meditate.

Achieving stress relief through yoga is attainable by anyone. In the past, yoga has gotten me through some difficult times. My father did yoga when he was in his seventies. If you ask anyone who has practiced yoga if they like it, they will surely say, "I love it."

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