There’s typically not a single soul that can leave the Earth without experiencing stress, fear, anxiety or depression even once. The intensity of each emotion is where the differences come in. Some tend to build up these emotions while some tend to cope and come out of them. Nevertheless, people from various parts of the world resort to Yoga, when it comes to mental wellbeing. Yoga is a form of exercise to tame the mind, body and soul. A little bit of an emotion is definitely needed to live a healthy life. The problem starts when such emotions persist and start interfering in everyday activities. Yoga helps to maintain a balance such that it helps induce the much needed positivity and strength.

 

The following are the asanas you can try to achieve this balance and lead a happy and stress-free life in this mechanical world:
1. Shavasana (Corpse Pose): Lie down on the mat with your face up, arms relaxed on the sides and legs extended. Close your eyes and take deep breaths. And while you do so, concentrate on every part of your body one by one from head to toe. This is the easiest of all asanas and is basically like a warm-up session. This asana can also be used to relieve you of fatigue.

2. Viparita Karani (Legs against the wall): Place a pillow on the floor close to the wall and sit on it. Now lie down in such a way that the head is on the floor and the legs are perpendicular to the wall. Relax your arms on the side with your palms facing upwards as this is believed to attract energy from the environment into your body. Now start your deep breathing exercise with your eyes closed for one minute and repeat for 3-4 times. This asana helps ease menstrual cramps and improves blood circulation to the brain apart from calming the mind.

3. Child Pose (Balasana): If you’re suffering from back ache, neck pain, high blood pressure, anxiety or stress, this is an extremely effective asana that you could try. Sit on the yoga mat kneeling while ensuring your knees are together. Rest your buttocks on your feet and slowly lower your torso over your thighs such that your forehead touches the mat and your hands touch the floor (over your head). Take deep breaths for 30 seconds and repeat 3-4 times.

4. Snake Pose (Bhujangasana): Lie on your stomach with legs stretched and toes touching the ground. Keep your arms at the side with your palm facing the ground, beside your chest.  Your forehead should be on the floor. Now slowly raise your head and neck upward and backward while you focus on your breathing (inhale while you lift your thorax and exhale when you come down). This asana is ideal for mind relaxation and also serves to correct the posture of the spine.

 

References:

http://www.artofliving.org/in- en/yoga/health-and-wellness/yo ga-for-anxiety-disorder

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0 -15860/6-relaxing-yoga-poses-t o-help-you-fall-asleep.html