With its intricate poses that require full-body strength and complete coordination, yoga can be an extremely effective and sweat-producing workout. And yet, with its simple poses and mind-body connection, yoga can also be an extremely effective relaxation exercise to calm the body. Simple yoga relaxation exercises can relieve stress, stretch the body, prepare for sleep or start your day.
Corpse Pose
The Corpse yoga pose is a great relaxation exercise to end your yoga session. To achieve the corpse pose, lie on your back on a cushioned mat. Spread your feet about 12 to 18 inches apart and let your thighs, knees and feet fall to the sides. Let your arms rest about 6 inches from your sides, palms facing up to the ceiling. Close your eyes and concentrate on relaxing every part of your body. To help encourage the relaxation process, briefly tense up each part of your body beginning at the toes and working toward the head. Once your body has achieved total relaxation, focus on your breathing. Exhale deeply into your abdominal; breathe only through the nose. Allow your mind to quiet as you lay in the Corpse pose for approximately five to 10 minutes.
Legs-Up-the-Wall
The Legs-Up-the-Wall pose features many of the same benefits as the typical shoulderstand yoga pose, according to the Yoga Journal website. In fact, the website claims that this relaxation yoga pose can help relieve anxiety, insomnia, migraines, depression, digestive problems, arthritis and abdominal cramps. To initiate the pose, position yourself near a wall and lay on your back with your legs extended up the wall. Place a thick folded blanket under your lower back and adjust its position until you feel comfortable. You should not feel any discomfort in your back or hips. Keep your legs firm enough to stay positioned vertically against the wall, yet relax every other part of your body. Rest your arms at your side in a position that feels comfortable. Hold the relaxation yoga pose for five to 15 minutes.
Child's Pose
Child's pose is such a simple and relaxing yoga pose that it is often used several times throughout a yoga session. Easing the body into child's pose allows for a gentle stretch in the hips and legs, while relieving stress in the back and neck. Move into child's pose by kneeling on the floor with your big toes touching. Sit back on your heels and position your knees hip-width apart. On an exhale, bend forward at the waist and bring your forehead down to the floor. Lengthen your spine by extending your head and tailbone away from one another. Lay your hands at your sides with your hands resting near your feet. Hold the pose for 30 to 60 seconds.
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