An astounding 88 percent of people report the holiday season is the most stressful time of the year for them. If you’re in this category, yoga for stress relief is one alternative to help you decompress and reduce your stress levels around the holidays.
How to Use Yoga for Stress Relief to Lower Your Anxiety
The holidays add a lot of stressful elements to life that typically already includes a fair amount of stressors. You may find yourself dealing with family members who don’t honor your decisions or respect your boundaries. Or, you might be struggling to cover holiday expenses. Many people also have to juggle a heavier workload with a busier personal schedule.
Whether you’re celebrating the holidays in your own home or you’re traveling, here are some ways to use yoga for stress and anxiety.
Take a Few Moments to Refocus with the Easy Pose (Sukhasana)
You don’t have to head to yoga studio to use yoga for stress relief. Find a quiet spot, sit on the ground, and get into the Easy Pose. Though, we do recommend practicing in a yoga studio for added benefits.
The Easy Pose involves gently crossing your legs so that your knees stack over your feet. It’s a must-do position when performing yoga for stress relief. Elongate your spine and rest your hands on your knees as you gently inhale and exhale to realign your mental state.
Get Rid of Negative Energy with the Cat/Cow Pose (Marjaryasana/Bitilasana)
Yoga for stress and anxiety will also help you rid your body of the negative energy that contributes to these feelings. One notably effective pose is the cat/cow pose.
Begin by getting on the ground on your hands and knees. Arch your back like a cat as you tighten your abdominal muscles. Then, lower the back into your starting position as you lift your head. Repeat the sequence a few times as you inhale and exhale.
Fully Decompress in the Corpe Pose (Savasana)
The corpse pose is an excellent move for meditation and relaxation when you need yoga for stress relief. Try it the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by your holiday to-do list.
Lie flat on the ground with your feet turned out and your palms facing the ceiling. Try to release any feelings of stress or tension from your body as you inhale and exhale. Aim to stay in the pose for at least five minutes for optimal benefits.
Afterward, to enhance the benefits to your health and nutrition, take a few moments to try to observe the tranquil feeling that you’re experiencing. This will make it easier to recapture this feeling when you’re in the midst of holiday stress.
Check Out a Virtual Yoga Session
Sometimes, you need an actual yoga session to get the most benefits when practicing yoga for stress relief. When you can’t make it to your Palm Harbor yoga classes, know that there are other options.
UCONN offers a therapeutic session via Zoom that’s suited to all levels of practice. It’s healthy to devote an hour or so to yourself so that you’re feeling your best physically and mentally.
Ask Your Healing Instructors for Guidance
If you know that you can’t go to the yoga studios in Palm Harbor due to holiday obligations, ask the instructors for their assistance to help you practice yoga for stress relief while you’re away. Have your instructor check your form for poses that you know you want to do while you’re away. Or, ask the instructor if they can recommend poses to help you loosen muscles that tend to tighten when you’re stressed.
You should also consult with your healing instructor about healing services for other ailments, like fatigue, insomnia, or chronic pain. A trip by the East West Healing Solutions Store is beneficial to check out supplements, lotions, and accessories that will maximize your wellbeing.
Contact East West Healing Solutions to Learn about Our Palm Harbor Yoga Studios
Want to explore other options to enhance your health, like yoga, acupuncture, and massages? Contact East West Healing Solutions today! Our yoga instructions look forward to adding you to their classes and help you decompress during the stressful holiday season!
