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Writer's pictureDan Smith

5 Amazing Yin Yoga Poses to Instantly Relieve Anxiety!

Updated: May 31, 2023


"ANXIETY" written on a textured background

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the constant hustle and bustle of daily life, which can often lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and tension. However, finding ways to alleviate these feelings is crucial for maintaining our mental health and wellbeing. One powerful tool for combating anxiety is the practice of Yin Yoga. This style of yoga involves holding poses for longer periods while focusing on deep breathing and relaxation. By doing so, Yin Yoga can help to reduce stress, tension, and anxiety in the body and mind. In this blog post, we'll explore five amazing Yin Yoga poses that are specifically designed to alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation and calmness. Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, these simple and easy-to-do poses can be incredibly effective in reducing stress and promoting overall mental health and wellbeing.


Yin yoga is a gentle form of yoga that focuses on stretching and lengthening the connective tissues and muscles of the body. It is a perfect practice for anyone looking for relief from anxiety, tension, and stress. In this blog article, I’ll be sharing some amazing yin yoga poses that can instantly help you to relieve anxiety and feel relaxed and calm.


What is Yin Yoga?

Yin yoga is a type of yoga that is based on the ancient Chinese practice of Taoism. This practice is rooted in the idea that all living things have an energy or life force that can be balanced through mindful movements. Yin yoga focuses on creating long-held poses that target the deeper layers of the body, such as the ligaments, bones, and joints.

The main goal of yin yoga is to increase flexibility and mobility, as well as to promote healing and relaxation. In yin yoga, poses are held for longer periods of time, usually between three to five minutes. This helps to stretch and strengthen the deeper layers of the body and encourages relaxation and mindfulness.


Benefits of Yin Yoga for Anxiety Relief

Yin yoga is a great practice for anyone looking for relief from anxiety and stress. The long-held poses allow you to access and release built-up tension in the body. It also encourages mindfulness, which can help to reduce stress levels and improve your overall mood.

Regular practice of yin yoga can also help to improve your breathing and reduce feelings of anxiety. By focusing on mindful breathing, you can help to reduce stress and calm your mind. Additionally, yin yoga can help to reduce fatigue and improve your quality of sleep, which can also help to reduce anxiety.


5 Amazing Yin Yoga Poses to Instantly Relieve Anxiety


Yoga blocks and mat - yin yoga gear - online yoga

We all experience anxiety, but it can be hard to find relief. Yin yoga is a great option for people seeking a peaceful, calming practice that will help to reduce their stress and anxiety. Yin yoga is a slow practice that focuses on stretching the body’s deeper connective tissues, releasing and restoring the body through relaxation. It is the perfect way to give your body a break and to recharge your mind, body and spirit. In this article, we’ll cover five amazing yin yoga poses that are designed to instantly relieve anxiety.




These poses will help to quiet the mind, open the body, and bring relief from stress and anxiety. So grab your mat and give these poses a try!

If you’re looking for relief from anxiety, here are five amazing yin yoga poses that you can do to instantly help you feel relaxed and calm.


1. Dragon Pose



Dragons are great is a great pose for reducing stress and calming the mind... although it might not be the most comfortable pose! This pose helps to release your psoas muscles, which tend to be tight on people with anxiety. The psoas muscle is a flexor muscle so when our fight or flight response kicks in, these muscles contract in an effort to curl the body up to protect the internal organs. To get into this pose, start in tabletop. Bring your right leg to the outside of your right hand, so that the heel is in line with the knuckles. Try to keep the hips level, and you can keep your arms long, or go down on your forearms with or without a block.


Hold this pose for two to three minutes, focusing on your breath and allowing your body to relax.



2. Child’s Pose



Child’s pose is a great pose for reducing stress and calming the mind. To get into this pose, start in a kneeling position with your feet together and your toes pointing backwards. Slowly lower your chest towards the floor and extend your arms forward. Allow your forehead to rest on the ground and focus on your breathing.


Hold this pose for three to five minutes, focusing on your breath and allowing your body to relax.



3. Caterpillar Pose



Caterpillar pose is a great pose for reducing stress and calming the mind. To get into this pose, start in a seated position with your legs extended out in front of you. Reach your arms up towards the sky and slowly fold forward, allowing your head to hang heavy. Focus on your breath and allow your body to relax.


Hold this pose for three to five minutes



4. Sleeping Swan



Bring your right knee forward and place it behind your right wrist, with your right ankle crossing over the left leg. Then, slide your left leg back, straightening it as much as possible. Finally, lower your hips towards the ground and stay in this position for several breaths. If you need more support, you can place a blanket or block underneath your hips.



5. Reclining Bound Angle Pose



The reclining bound angle pose is a great pose for relieving stress and calming the mind. To get into this pose, start lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet together. Place your hands on the ground and allow your knees to open wide. Allow your body to relax and focus on your breath.


Hold this pose for three to five minutes



6.Corpse Pose



I know I said 5 poses for anxiety, but you have to include savasana... it's the best pose in yoga! The corpse pose is a great pose for calming the mind and relieving stress. To get into this pose, start lying on your back with your legs extended out in front of you. Allow your arms to rest by your sides and focus on your breath. Allow your body to relax and hold this pose for three to five minutes, focusing on your breath and allowing your body to relax.


Tips for Practicing Yin Yoga

When practicing yin yoga, it is important to remember to move slowly and mindfully. Focus on your breath and allow your body to relax into each pose. It is also important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. If you feel any pain or discomfort, it is important to stop and take a break.


Conclusion

Yin yoga is a great practice for anyone looking for relief from anxiety, stress, and tension. The long-held poses help to target the deeper layers of the body, allowing you to access and release built-up tension. The poses shared in this article are just a few of the many yin yoga poses that can help you to instantly relieve anxiety and feel relaxed and calm. So if you’re looking for relief from anxiety, why not give these yin yoga poses a try? Want to practice together?


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