Five Asanas to Help Ease Anxiety

Child’s Pose

Kneel on the floor. Touch your big toes together and sit on your heel, then separate your knees about as wide as your hips. Lay your torso down between your thighs and either reach your hands back toward your feet and rest the arms on the floor or stretch the arms forward for extended child’s pose.

Happy Baby

Lie on your back, bend your knees into your belly, and grip the outsides of your feet with your hands. Position each ankle directly over the knee, so your shins are perpendicular to the floor. Flex your feet and keep your head on the floor. You can hold still for several breaths, or rock from side-to-side.

Downward Dog

Start on your hands and knees, placing your hands slightly in front of your shoulders. Spread your fingers wide and tuck your toes under. Lift your knees off the mat and reach your sit bones toward the ceiling. Keep your knees slightly bent. Relax your neck and keep your head between your upper arms.

Lying Spinal Twist

In this asana, while lying on your back, bring your arms out to the sides with the palms facing down in a T-position. Drop the right knee over to the left side of your body, twisting the spine and low back. Keep your shoulders flat to the floor. Repeat on opposite side.

Savasana

Also known as Corpse Pose, Savasana is a pose of total relaxation. Lie down flat on your back. Stretch your arms and legs out and away from your body, rest the back of your hands on the floor and rest your shoulder blades evenly on the floor. Keep your eyes gently closed. Stay in the pose for at least five minutes.