We all have gone through the crushing pain of a loss. To overcome the grief, everyone relies on their favorite stress busters. But, do you know the best method to attain a sense of instant calm? Yes, yoga has the power to soothe and heal your mind. Yoga can, in fact, manage your stress, saving your body and mind from its devastating effect in the process. It also lifts your spirits, helping you leave the past behind. These yoga poses can be a powerful antidote for your broken heart.
1. Camel Pose
Kneel on the yoga mat. Make sure your thighs are perpendicular to the floor and your knees are hip-width apart. The sole of your feet should face the ceiling. And your toes should touch the floor. Place your hands on the hips. Inhale and start arching your back. Move your hands from your hips to your heels one by one. And if your neck feels alright, throw back your head. Hold this position for up to 10 breaths.
2. Half-Cobra Pose
Lie on your stomach. Use your back muscles to lift up your head and upper torso. Press your elbows right under your shoulders or slightly forward. Arch the chest section of your backbone. Look straight. Stay in this position for a couple of minutes. As a word of caution, if you have back pain it is better to avoid this pose.
3. Child’s Pose
This resting pose is a common beginner’s yoga pose. Sit on your heels, lower your head on the mat. Place your arms alongside your legs or under your forehead. Relax your neck and close your eyes. Stay in this pose for about 3 minutes.
4. Happy Baby Pose
This pose will have a substantial effect on your mind, relieving your stress and offering deep relaxation. Lie on your back. With an exhale, bend your knees into your chest. Inhale, grip the outsides of your feet with your hands. Keep your knees wide – slightly wider than your torso. Bring them up toward your armpits. Stack your ankles directly over your knees, thus bringing the shins perpendicular to the floor. Keep your feet flexed. Gently push your feet up into your hands (or the belts) as you pull your hands down to create a resistance.
5. Pigeon Pose
This is an extremely effective hip opener. It helps you release tension in the hip area, where some pent-up emotions are stored, especially in women. Start with a downward facing dog. Keep your knees right below your hips on the mat and your hands should be slightly ahead of your shoulders. Make a step forward with your left foot and put the left thigh and shin on the mat. Slide your right leg back behind you. Make sure your right leg is extended straight behind you, not out to one side. Place your hands on either side of your leg. Softly arch your back. Look up. Hold this pose for 4-5 breaths. Return to a downward dog. Repeat with the other leg.
6. Anulom Vilom
This is one of the most effective breathing techniques to calm your mind. It can be performed by people of all ages. Close your eyes and sit in Padmasana (Lotus Position). With the right thumb, close the right nostril. Inhale slowly through the left nostril. Do this as slowly as you can. Then, breathe out from your right nostril, closing the left nostril with your ring finger and middle finger. Then, breathe in from the right nostril closing your left nostril with the middle finger and ring finger and breathe out from left nostril closing right nostril with the thumb. Repeat the process. Initially, do it for 1-3 minutes. Later, you can extend it for 5 minutes.
