Yoga for students: 5 basic poses to reduce stress
Today's fast-paced lifestyles affect our children as much they affect us. High competition and constant pressure to perform can lead to stress, which we definitely don't want our kids to suffer from. While you invest money in providing your children with everything they want, make sure to also mind their physical and mental health. Here are top 5 Yoga poses for children/students.
Hasta Uttanasana (Raised arms pose)
This simple Yoga posture can bring many positive changes. From strengthening the shoulders to increasing the oxygen flow in the blood and relaxing the muscles, Hasta Uttanasana is highly rewarding. Stand straight and raise your hands while trying to look at the sun. Take a deep breath, bend your trunk and head a little backward, creating an arc. Don't bend knees or elbows.
Vriksasana (Tree Pose)
This pose can help improve balance and concentration in students. Regular practice of Vriksasana can also strengthen thigh muscles, calves, ankles, and the legs. It may also enhance flexibility. Stand straight, then lift the right foot with knee pointing out. While folding the leg, place your foot on the left inner thigh. Lastly, raise hands and join them. Maintain the pose for 30 seconds.
Shishuasana (Child pose)
This pose can calm the nervous system and relax the back. It is great for school-going children, as it helps improve their psychological and physical wellness. Sit on your heels and bend forward. Slowly bring your forehead to the floor. Then, place your hands on the floor, with palms facing down. Afterwards, press your chest against the ground, and rest it on your thighs.
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)
To perform the Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge pose), lie down on your back, with your arms next to your body, and palms facing down. Then, bend your knees and and place your feet on floor. Further, taking support of your shoulders, arms and feet, lift your back off the floor. Keep breathing slowly and deeply. Maintain the posture for one minute. Relax, then repeat.
Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)
To perform this pose, lie down on your stomach. Then, spread your arms on the floor and stretch your legs. Then, slowly lift your upper body, with neck facing upward. Stretch your body for 30-60 seconds. Relax, and then repeat. This pose relieves stiffness in upper body, promotes flexibility in the lower back, and also strengthens the core. It may also relieve menstrual pain.
