Yoga is a powerful activity for lessening stress, says Mifsud, because it “invites us to connect with ourselves in the ‘right now’”.
“We lead such busy lives, full of increasing demands and expectations. We are constantly focusing our energy on other people, what we haven’t done and are yet to do – which can leave us feeling overwhelmed,” she says.
Instead of allowing ourselves to be consumed with thoughts about the past or future, yoga encourages us to instead direct time and attention towards our bodies, breath, mind and spirit. The result is that we slow down, be still and recharge.
To reap these benefits, try the following 7 de-stressing poses. Practise just one, a combination or the full list.
Deeply and slowly breathe into the belly, ribs and chest – making the exhale and inhale smooth and even.Notice the gentle expansion and contraction of the body as you breath, the touch and temperature of the breath at the tip of your nostril.
Expand your awareness to all the sensations you are experiencing right now - sounds, physical sensations, thoughts and emotions, without judging them as good or bad. Let each sensation arise and pass. When the mind wanders, bring your awareness back to the breath – inhaling and exhaling slowly.
We are that which we repeatedly do. If we create more time in our day for stillness and being present to what is, we train the mind to spend more time in such a state. Mindfulness meditation improves attention span, mental flexibility and our capacity to regulate emotions.
Breathe deeply into this space. Slowly send your gaze down to the left, stretching the back of the neck and your trapeze. Bring the chin into chest, return to centre and repeat the other side.
Allow your head to be heavy and relax your arms to the floor – or hold opposite elbows. Deeply breath into the belly and back of the body.
Engage the legs and lengthen the tailbone to the knees. Broaden through the breastbone and interlace your hands beneath (optional). Keep the jaw relaxed, gazing upward and the back of the neck long.
As you inhale, slowly return your knees to centre. Repeat the twist to the left, timing the movement with the breath. Move slowly with the breath three times on each side, then hold each side. Lift the knees closer to the shoulders for a deeper twist.
Your arms are slightly away from the body, palms facing up and relax the whole body. Close your eyes and mindfully breathe deeply and slowly.
Ensure the lower back isn’t compressed and the back of the neck is long. Let go of physical tension, thoughts and distractions. Gently close the eyes, breath naturally, be perfectly still and quiet, as you deeply relax. Just be as you are. Rest and rejuvenate.
By deeply surrendering, we allow time for our yoga practice to integrate, before ‘rushing’ to the next activity.
Angela Mifsud is a yoga and mindfulness teacher. She delivers classes and workshops in Sydney visit www.angesplace.com