Stress Is Born In “Fight Or Flight” Situations, Where Our Mind Is Incapable Of Deciphering A Situation To Come Up With A Rational Solution. So, Through Yoga Asanas And Meditation, You Can Overcome The Clutter In Your Mind. Harmonise Your Mind, Body, And Soul!
We’re all multitaskers: whether it’s about working while traveling, co-ordinating a million things at a time, or thinking about the tasks that are pending on our to-do lists. Our minds work at the speed of light, and whether we like it or not, we find ourselves accounting for every moment of our day and planning every small detail.
We’ve all been in stressful situations where we were burdened with more things than we could handle, and where it felt like we are in the middle of a mess. This stress and anxiety not only affect our mental peace, but also makes us vulnerable to many physical ailments. The question, therefore is: how do we stop ourselves from being overwhelmed by the circumstances we face daily? As unimportant as it may seem, the only time to work on our mental and physical wellness is NOW! And yoga is the only tool that “multi-tasks” in a way that harmonises your mind, body, and soul into one combined lifestyle.
Let’s look at how yoga works on your mind, body, and soul.
1. PADMASANA (LOTUS POSE)
Sit on your mat with your legs straight in front of you. Warm up by bending your left leg and place the sole of your foot into the crook of your right elbow. Clasp your hands over your shin and rock your leg gently side to side. Bend your right leg and bring your foot as close to the left groin as possible. With your hands on the underside of your left shin, bend your left leg and slide it gently on top right. Bring the right knee as close to the left as possible and keep the soles of the feet perpendicular to the floor. Reverse and repeat with the right leg on top.
2. VIRABHADRASANA I (WARRIOR I POSE)
Stand in Tadasana (mountain pose). Step your right foot to the back of the mat—about 3 or 4 ft. behind you. Raise your arms, bend your left knee so that your knee is directly over your toes. Straighten your left leg and press all four sides of your left foot into the mat. Raise your arms overhead. If you can, arch your back. Return to Tadasana and repeat by stepping back with your left leg and bending into your right knee.
3. UTTHITA HASTA PADANGUSTHASANA (EXTENDED HAND-TO-BIG-TOE 2 POSE)
Note: You may need a strap for this pose, if your hamstrings are tight. Begin in Tadasana (mountain pose). Bring your left knee up in front of you. Grab your big toe, or interlace your fingers and toes. Slowly stretch your left leg out to the side. Eyes gaze forward or to your extended right hand to help in balancing. Keep your hips pointed forwards. Focus on your breath and the stability of your supporting leg. Hold for 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
4. MATSYASANA (FISH POSE)
Start in a seated position with your legs out straight. Place your hands under your hips or at your low back. Lie back so that your elbows are on the ground. Open your chest, and try to bring the crown of your head down to the ground, while keeping your back off the ground. You may use a block under your head if needed. You should feel a nice stretch in your neck and back.
5. SUPTA BADDHA KONASANA (RECLINED BOUND ANGLE POSE)
To get into the pose, start by keeping your legs straight out in front of you. Bend your knees and bring your heels inwards towards your body. Press the soles of your feet together and relax your knees out to either side of the mat. To intensify the posture, bring your heels as close to your pelvis as you possibly can (without any pain, of course). Slowly begin to recline to
the floor, lowering vertebrae by vertebrae until your spine and head are resting on the mat. Relax your hands out by your sides, gently close your eyes and breathe.
6. ANANDA BALASANA (HAPPY BABY POSE)
To get into the pose, start by lying flat on your back with your low spine glued to the mat. Bend your knees and bring your shins towards your belly. Grab the outside edges of your feet with your hands and send your feet towards the ceiling so that your ankles are stacked over your knees, and your shins are perpendicular to the floor. Your low back should be flat on the mat. To intensify the posture, push your feet into your hands and your hands into your feet to create a resistance. You also have the option to try playfully rocking from side to side like an infant, or to straighten one leg at a time for an extra stretch.
