Stressed? Try these 5 yoga inversions for relaxation
What's the story
Yoga inversions at home can help you relax and recharge.
These poses, which involve lifting your heart above your head, can boost circulation, melt away stress, and sharpen your focus.
Plus, by doing inversions regularly, you'll build strength and flexibility.
So, why wait? Try these easy yoga inversions at home to relax and find your inner calm.
Wall support
Legs Up the Wall Pose
Legs Up the Wall Pose is a gentle inversion that's perfect for releasing stress and tension in the legs and lower back.
To get into this pose, simply lie on your back and extend your legs up against the wall.
This posture uses gravity to help improve circulation while encouraging deep relaxation.
It's a great option for beginners or anyone who wants a calming practice after a long day.
Classic inversion
Downward Facing Dog
Downward Facing Dog is yoga's poster child and a great inversion for beginners.
Start on all fours, then raise your hips toward the sky while keeping your hands and feet planted on the mat.
This pose elongates the spine, builds strength in arms and legs, and soothes the mind by promoting deep breaths.
Intermediate challenge
Shoulder stand
Shoulder Stand is a more advanced pose, but it's worth the effort for its benefits, including better digestion and thyroid function.
Lie on your back with your knees bent; engage your core to lift your hips off the floor until your body is vertically aligned and supported by your shoulders.
Don't strain your neck, hold the pose, take deep breaths, keep your balance, and focus inward.
Building strength
Headstand preparation pose
Dolphin Pose strengthens the body for full inversions like headstands without the risk of injury.
Start in a kneeling position, interlace your fingers, and place the crown of your head between your palms.
Tuck your toes under, lift your knees off the ground, and walk your feet closer until your hips are stacked over your shoulders.
Hold for a few breaths before releasing back to the starting position.
Deep stretch
Plow pose
Plow Pose provides a deep stretch for the spine, shoulders, and hamstrings while soothing the nervous system.
From shoulder stand, gently lower your toes overhead until they touch the floor behind you (if they can reach).
Extend your arms along the mat or clasp them together under your back, breathe deeply, and hold briefly before rolling down, vertebrae by vertebrae, onto the mat again.