Melt Into One of These Expert-Recommended Yoga Poses Each Day to Release Stress and Sore Muscles
A daily yoga practice is a great habit in theory: strengthening for your body, relaxing and restorative for your mind. Making it work in practice can be another story. Sometimes even a 10-minute flow feels like more than you can manage, and that's OK. When I don't have time for a full flow, folding into just one of my favorite poses can relieve some of the stress and soreness I've been carrying around.
With that in mind, I wanted to know: if a yoga teacher could recommend just one pose a day, something that relaxes your body, unknots tension, and helps you stay loose, what would it be? In response, I got not just one but 15 gentle, rejuvenating moves to choose from, any one of which would be a great choice for some fast relief. Next time you're decompressing from a stressful day or just looking to get in a quick stretch, grab one (or two!) of these poses, sink in for a few seconds, and feel some of the soreness ebb away.
Savasana
Don't let the look of this posture fool you; according to yoga teacher and triple board-certified physician Monisha Bhanote, MD, "the real difficulty comes in the art of relaxing." If your life is fast-paced and hectic, with your mind "constantly bouncing from one idea to another," a daily Savasana provides time for relaxation, balance, and stress reduction, she explained. Try this pose before a meditation session or at the end of the day to promote deep, restful sleep.
Lie on your back and close your eyes. In order to relax and open your body fully, extend your arms a few inches away from your body, with your palms facing up. Put about 15 to 20 inches between your heels, allowing your feet to fall open with your toes pointing out. Actively shrug your shoulder blades down toward your hips. Lengthen through your spine as much as possible, relaxing your lower back toward the floor.
After you've found a comfortable position, stay here for as long as you want, around 10 minutes or more, if your schedule allows for it. If you're short on time, remain in Savasana at least until your heart rate slows down and your breath returns to its natural soothing rhythm.