Yoga for Stress Relief

Yoga is all the rage nowadays. I always brushed it aside, thinking "there's no way I'm flexible enough for that." That was until I stumbled upon this article about yoga relieving irritability and stress during menopause. It turns out that the older crowd can also participate in yoga too! In fact, it's easy on the joints since it's not high intensity.

THE LOWDOWN YOGA

 

Yoga has many different poses that focus on balance and help relax the body. It is meant to be a meditative type of exercise. Apparently, there's also been a lot of scientific research on yoga! Who knew? This news story talks about how yoga reduces stress. To my understanding, yoga poses relax the body, which then reduces internal inflammation and helps the immune system.

The days have been so hectic lately, rushing back and forth. Whenever I get a few spare minutes at home, I've been trying yoga poses to relieve the stress of a busy schedule. I don't have the time for a structured yoga class right now, but if these poses are successful, I'll consider one in the near future.

YOGA POSES FOR MENOPAUSAL WOMEN 

 

There are way more yoga poses out there than I expected! Here are a few that are calming and can even help get rid of menopause symptoms!

Warrior pose

1. Stand and then step back with your left leg a couple feet. Bend your right knee.
2. Stretch out your arms at shoulder height with your palms facing downwards.
3. Raise your hands up a few inches, hold them there, and then lower them again.

Fish pose

1. Lie down on your back with your knees bent and feet flat.
2. Lift up your rump a little and slide your hands underneath. Then sit on your hands and tuck your elbows into your sides.
3. As you inhale, push against the floor with your forearms, lifting your chest off the floor but keeping your head touching the floor.
4. Hold this pose for about 15 – 30 seconds.

Seated forward bend

1. Sit on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you.
2. On the inhale, draw in your stomach and stretch out your torso.
3. Bend your back slowly, moving your head towards your toes, laying your upper body along your legs.
4. Hold this pose for about 2 minutes.

Seated wide angle pose

1. Sit down on the floor and extend your legs apart so that they make a V-shape.
2. Put your left hand flat on the floor behind your left hip.
3. Stretch your right arm overhead to your left.
4. Then, start to bring your arm down again, and bend your elbow at shoulder height. Make sure to switch sides.

There is still much to discover in the world of yoga. With all the studied benefits, I think it's worth a try!