9 Most Relaxing Yoga Poses To Practice Daily
Yoga is a great way to not only destress but also get in shape! Here are the nine most relaxing yoga poses to integrate into your daily routine. Let’s get started.
1. Downward Dog
This is one of my all-time favorite yoga poses. It stretches out your upper-body and calf muscles. It’s like a full-body stretch. Do this right when you wake up or before bed and you will feel so much better. Make sure to keep your back neutral, not arched or hunched. To up the difficulty, you can lift up one leg at a time.
2. Child’s Pose
Child’s pose is great for lower-back pain or stomach pain. It totally stretches out your arm muscles too! Every time I do this one, I almost fall asleep every time. It’s just that relaxing. Do this after a long day of sitting in a desk or chair and you will feel rejuvenated.
3. Savasana
This is like the adult version of nap time. For real. I get so annoyed when yoga instructors skip this because it truly relaxes both body and mind. Light some candles, lay on a yoga mat or towel, put on relaxing meditation music and just soak in the beauty of this pose. You won’t want to get up, trust me.
4. Upward Dog
This pose is great for tense lower backs or shoulders. Start by laying on your stomach, and slowly push up with your arms, arching your back and looking up towards the ceiling. Make sure your shoulders are relaxed and not up to your ears. You can lift your thigs off the matt for extra difficulty.
5. Happy Baby
This pose is so great for stretching out your hip-flexers and inner thighs. Lay on the mat, grab your heels and pull your feet towards the floor. Make sure to keep your femurs perpendicular with the ceiling. Lay here for a few minutes, and rock back and forth to deepen the stretch and roll out your lower back.
6. Forward Fold
This pose is made for stretching your calves and hamstrings. It’s super simple, you just stand with your feet parallel and bend forward, trying to touch your toes. If you can’t touch your toes, don’t worry! Just really breathe into this one and once you do it enough, you will see progress. You can also grab your elbows and swing back and forth.
7. Cat/Cow Pose
Cat/cow pose is perfect for stretching out your back and shoulders. It does wonders if you are someone who is hunched over a desk typing all day. It’s also good if you just carry a lot of tension in your shoulders or back, which a lot of us do. Please practice this one daily!
8. Tree Pose
Not only is tree pose great for centering your mind and balance, it makes for a swoon-worthy Insta pic. Do this pose on the top of a mountain hike or below a waterfall. You can also just do this in your living room and get the same exact benefits. Stand up straight, place one foot on your inner thigh and clasp your hands above your head or above your heart. Namaste!
9. Relaxing Yoga Poses: Easy Pose
This one is pretty self-explanatory. I mean come on, it’s called easy pose! This one is perfect for practicing on the white sandy beaches of Mexico or at a grass park with friends. You can even do this at an outdoor concert or music festival! Sit criss-cross with hands resting on your knees or clasped above your heart. Close your eyes and practice deep breathing. You will instantly feel transported to an ocean oasis if you aren’t there already.
