All yoga practices generally bring a modicum of calm and peace, as that is a part of doing yoga. Certain poses still stand out for their ability to release anxiety as well as soothe and free the mind. Regardless of how well your body performs the poses, however, your mind will still be a cauldron of anxiety unless you remember to let go, relax and breathe.
Corpse Pose
As the name suggests, corpse pose, or Savasana, is about as relaxed as a body can get. Lie flat on your back with your palms facing upward and your arms down by your sides. Your feet should be slightly apart, toes pointing toward the ceiling. Close your eyes and let your entire body relax and sink into the mat beneath you. Move the relaxation from your body into your mind by focusing on your breathing. Take deep breaths, counting each inhalation and exhalation as you slip deeper into relaxation and peace.
Crocodile Pose
Crocodile pose, or Makarasana, involves lying on your stomach, rather than the back, but it's equally as relaxing, Yoga Magazine says. Lie flat on your stomach while slightly rising your head and shoulders and cupping your chin in the palms of each hand with the hands extending up the sides of your face. Rest your bent elbows on the mat, relax, and breathe.
Forward Bends
Forward bends are other positions that calm and soothe the mind, Yoga Journal notes. Choices include the standing forward bend, or Uttanasana, and the seated forward bend, or Paschimottanasana. For the standing and seated forward bends, respectively plant your feet or your bottom firmly on the mat with your legs straight in both positions. Bend forward at the waist, elongating your spine and extending your upper body towards your feet.
Extended Puppy Pose
Another forward bend Yoga Journal notes for its relaxation is the extended puppy pose, or Uttana Shishosana. This pose is a mix between the well-known downward facing dog and the restorative child's pose. Start on all fours with your wrists directly below your shoulders and your knees directly below your hips. Walk your hands forward and exhale, moving your butt back toward your feet and lowering your forehead to the mat. Keep your elbows off the mat and your lower spine slightly curved as you press your hands on the mat, stretching your hips back toward your heels. Breathe deep into your back as you hold the stretch for at least 30 seconds, the release your butt down to your feet.
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