Yoga is an oriental practice increasingly famous for its apparent simplicity and the long list of benefits it brings to the lives of those who practice it. It is an activity with very attractive semantics as it combines physical activity and spiritual growth , areas that are rarely related but that unified, incredibly enhance the quality of life.
The daily hustle and bustle can be overwhelming, and it is necessary to have activities that serve as an escape valve to release harmful stress, tension and improve health. It is in this aspect where yoga shines, being the perfect exercise to give your mind a break while you exercise your body.
Certain yoga poses can further enhance your much-needed rest throughout the day. Find out which are the 5 best.
5 yoga poses to rest your mind
1. Table Standing Dove Pose or Eka Pada Rajakapotasana
This is a pose generally performed on the ground, but we know that you don’t always have enough time to dedicate yourself to it. If you have a brief moment alone during the day and you have a table, you can do this variation. To do it:
- Get close to the table and bring your right knee closer to your chest.
- Position your right knee and ankle parallel to the edge of the surface so that the knee extends beyond the hip angle. It is imperative to keep your right foot flexed and your hips facing the surface you are using.
- After 10 breaths, repeat with your left leg.
2. Ankle to Knee Posture or Ardha Agnistambhasana
This pose uses your body to anchor you to the ground while stretching your hips, calves, butt, and groin. To do this pose correctly, follow these steps:
- Your posture should make a straight line from your feet to your hips.
- Bend your knees and take your left ankle to position it on top of your right thigh, always maintaining balance with your right leg.
- Bring your left knee to the ground and when you have found balance, bring and join your hands towards the center of your chest.
- Hold the pose for 10 breaths and switch legs.
3. Squatting pose or Malasana
The benefits it brings to the hips, abdomen and pelvis are innumerable. To perform this pose you must:
- Stand tall with your feet slightly more than hip angle.
- Rotate your feet so they are facing away from your body and bend your knees as you lower your rear toward the ground.
- Position your knees so they are on top of your feet. A crucial step is to place your elbows inside your knees and bring your palms into a prayer position.
- Simply stay in this pose for 10 breaths before slowly ascending to avoid injury.
4. Tree pose or Vrksasana
When it comes to upright postures, balance is crucial. In these cases it is necessary to keep your feet firmly on the ground while the rest of your body and your mind relax in unison.
For the acclaimed tree pose you must:
- Place your right foot firmly on the ground and below the hips, always emphasizing the correct position of the heel.
- With your left leg, direct your ankle towards the front and upper part of the right thigh, never above the knee.
- Spread your left knee out and join your hands in front of your chest.
- Take 10 slow breaths and then repeat the process with the missing leg to be stretched.
5. Crescent Moon Pose or Indudalasana
Improve the circulation of your body and receive a charge of energy with this pose. To do it correctly:
- Keep your feet together and under your hips; then, bring your arms above your head while keeping your palms together.
- Relax your shoulders and arch your whole body to the right, always keeping pressure on your feet as you bring your hips in the opposite direction of the stretch.
- Hold the pose for 6 calm breaths and repeat the steps with the left side.
Conclution
Whether at the start of the day or during a short break from work, these yoga poses will ensure you keep your mind and body healthy. Practice these poses and take care of your mind in the same way that you take care of your body.
Reference
- Ross, R. 10 Electrifying Yoga Poses For When You Need a Mental Break. For Livestrong [Revised October 2017].
