With the demands of everyday life, stress can become an almost constant companion, and the practice of yoga can offer you a much-needed escape from the chaos of it all. With work, school, or personal obligations to attend to, we don’t blame you if all you’re thinking about is when to squeeze in a quick yoga session.
Before we dive into the specifics of signing up for an online yoga class, let’s first explore what stress does to our bodies and how certain yoga poses can help you take a deep breath and relax.
Understanding stress and yoga’s role in relief
Before we roll out our yoga mats, let’s break down the enemy — stress.
Stress wreaks havoc on our bodies, from raising cortisol levels to causing headaches and sleepless nights. If the smallest tasks seem impossible, like figuring out what to prepare for dinner later on, then you could be stressed and overwhelmed.
Practicing yoga regularly can decrease cortisol levels, improve cognitive function, and help you overcome stress in the most natural way possible. It also improves physical health by reducing blood pressure and heart rate and improving sleep quality.
The importance of breath control
Now, let’s talk about the breath. Breathing is the unsung hero of yoga — the sidekick that steals the show. Here, we’ll delve into how breathing can instantly calm your mind and reduce stress while your online yoga classes are ongoing. Think of it as your personal air conditioner, cooling down the fiery stress within.
Most of us breathe shallowly and unconsciously throughout the day, often in response to stress and tension. Yoga can help break this pattern by introducing slow, deep, and deliberate breathing into the system. This triggers the relaxation response, lowers blood pressure, and calms the nervous system, reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality.
Yoga poses for immediate stress relief
Here’s where the magic happens — the yoga poses that come to the rescue when stress knocks on your door. Here are just a few of the yoga poses you’ll do with help from our experienced yoga instructors when you sign up for our virtual yoga studio:
- Child’s pose
The child’s pose is like a warm, comforting hug for your body, allowing you to release tension and find solace in stillness.
Begin by kneeling on the floor with your big toes touching and knees hip-width apart. You can use a yoga mat or practice on a soft surface for added comfort.
Sit back on your heels, allowing your buttocks to rest on your heels. If you have difficulty sitting back, you can place a cushion or folded blanket between your buttocks and heels for support.
Inhale deeply and lengthen your spine. As you exhale, gently fold forward from your hips, lowering your torso toward the floor.
Stretch your arms in front of you, keeping them shoulder-width apart or slightly wider. Your palms should face down, and your fingertips should be active, pressing into the mat.
Lower your chest and forehead towards the floor. Allow your forehead to come to rest on the mat. If your forehead doesn’t reach the floor, you can place a cushion or block under your forehead for support.
- Cat-cow pose
This dynamic pose not only soothes your spine but also connects your breath with movement, creating a sense of flow and release.
To perform it, start in a tabletop position with your hands under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Inhale as you arch your back, lift your head and tailbone, and look up, creating the “cow” pose.
Then, exhale as you round your spine, tuck your chin to your chest, and tuck your tailbone, forming the “cat” pose.
- Corpse pose
Savasana, or corpse pose, often considered the easiest yoga pose, is the ultimate relaxation posture, allowing you to fully surrender and release stress. It’s like a power nap for your soul, and yes, you do it after every session!
All you have to do is to lie down, close your eyes, and reflect on the practice. Congratulate yourself silently for a job well done, and listen to your instructor’s voice as they conclude another productive online yoga class.
Sign up for the best online yoga subscription at Yoga Holmes
Yoga Holmes is built on a foundation of alignment-focused movement, complemented by breath awareness, and filled with lightness and laughter to help you become the best version of yourself.
Whether you’re a beginner seeking to explore the intricacies of this ancient practice or an experienced yogi looking to refine your skills, we have the perfect class for you.
If you’re ready to experience a transformative journey from the inside out, don’t hesitate to sign up for our classes or take advantage of our 14-day free trial. Find out more about our pricing here!