Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Five Gentle Yoga Stress Relieving Exercises

A gentle programme of yoga stress relieving exercises can help you release anxiety, stress and worry at the end of your day. During the day, your body is constantly absorbing and storing tension; you probably feel this tension in the form of lower back pain, stiff and achy joints and muscular pain in your shoulders and neck.

To help release sluggishness, fatigue and tension a few rounds of gentle yoga stretches can help you feel more alive, fresher and clearer in your head. Yoga helps your body to move freely and improves flexibility. This is why you have more energy and a greater sense of well being at the end of your practice.

If you are new to yoga, these five gentle yoga stretches will inspire you to seek out a class to learn more about this ancient art of rest and relaxation. As with all exercise, take your time to practice and breathe slowly and fully through your nose.

1. The Child Pose is a simple relaxation pose. Sit on your heels and stretch your arms in front of you to open your shoulders. Rest your forehead on the floor. Relax your face and rest your eyes. Gently breathe for 3 -5 rounds of deep yogic breathing. Slowly place your hands by your side with the palms upwards. Breathe gently and relax.

2. Rag Doll Pose. Firstly, stand tall and straight in the Mountain Pose. Bend forward from your hips and, like a rag doll, relax your shoulders, neck and head. Let your arms be soft and floppy and make sure your head is also relaxed. Stay in this pose for 3 - 7 rounds of gentle breathing.

3. Lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor and knees close to your chest. Take your arms out to shoulder level. As you exhale allow your knees to gracefully fall to the right side. Turn your head to look along your left arm. Breathe slowly and deeply. Enjoy the feeling. Stay for 5 - 10 rounds of steady breathing. Return your knees and head to the centre. Rest and repeat on the opposite side.

4. Knees to Chest. Lie on your back and slowly hug your knees to your chest. Keep your head flat on the floor and gently breathe as you squeeze your knees toward your chest. Take 3 - 7 rounds of steady breaths. Sometimes it helps to gently sway side to side in this pose.

5. Sit on the floor with the soles of your feet together. Lengthen your spine and relax your shoulders and jaw. Smile. Place your hands lightly on your knees and allow the out breath to soften and ease any tension you may feel in the groin. Stay focused on your breath for 3 - 7 rounds as you breathe into the stretch. Relax and release the legs.

Gentle yoga stress relieving exercises are a great way to loosen up and release fatigue, tension and stiffness in your body - especially after a busy day at work. Take your time as you practice and gradually aim to include these yoga stretches into your everyday schedule. You will be glad you did.
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