3 Restorative Yoga Poses to Relieve Stress After a Long Day

Stretch off stress with these 3 restorative yoga poses.

When you’re bombarded with unwarranted stress—emails coming in hot, unkind words directed at you, long working hours—your energy and health can be severely affected. And when you’re in a constant state of stress, you’re more likely to get sick, fatigue easily and have disturbed sleep patterns. 

So, adding a restorative yoga practice to your weekly routine is great for resetting after a long day. Here are 3 easy yoga poses you can try from absolutely anywhere to relieve stress and tension in your body.

#1: Child’s Pose

Perfect for all fitness levels, the child’s pose will calm your mind and soothe your body without the risk of injury. So, whether you’re just beginning your yoga journey or are more advanced within your practice, it’s a great pose to turn to over and over again. 

To perform the child’s pose, place your hands under your forehead while keeping your knees wide and big toes together so that your spine is less curved and more lengthened. 

This pose helps to soothe your nervous system and slow the production of adrenaline to calm your body. Close your eyes and stay in this position for as long as you’re comfortable. 

Related: Can Yoga Help You Lose Weight? Weigh in on the Benefits

#2: Downward Dog 

The downward dog brings oxygenated blood to your entire body, leaving you feeling more energized and refreshed. Stay here for as long as you need, while letting go of what’s bothering you. 

To perform this pose, keep your hands on the floor, sit up on your knees and then press back into position. 

Spread your fingers wide and create a straight line between your middle fingers and elbows. If your flexibility allows, straighten your legs and lower your heels toward the floor. At the same time, relax your head between your legs and direct your gaze toward your belly button. Focus on breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. 

Related: What Is Hybrid Yoga? Is It Right for Me?

#3: Happy Baby 

This gentle and soothing pose is great for increased relaxation and stretching the entire body and resembles a “happy baby” lying on its back. How cute! 

Ideal for beginners, the happy baby pose is relatively easy to do, so don’t be intimidated. Yoga and Pilates instructors usually include this pose near the beginning or end of class since it’s both soothing and calming. 

Stay in this pose for as long as you need, while focusing on your breath. 

To perform the happy baby pose, lie flat on your back while bending your knees toward your chest at a 90-degree angle. Face the soles of your feet up toward the ceiling. 

Reaching forward, grab and hold the inside or outside of your feet while spreading your knees apart and shifting them toward your armpits.

At the same time, flex your heels into your hand and gently rock from side-to-side, like a happy baby. Make sure to inhale and exhale deeply. 

Related: Stretch It Out: 5 Expert Tips to Improve Your Flexibility

Namaste

Looking for effective ways to release stress and tension? Want to calm the chaos in your mind? Incorporating the child’s pose, downward dog and happy baby into your daily practice will have tremendous benefits on your emotional and physical health and well-being. So, strike a pose today! 

Start your free trial with Gymondo today and explore a huge variety of yoga, Pilates, barre and meditation classes for both mind and body. Your mental and physical health will thank you for it. 

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