This post is about 5 yoga poses that you can do for instant anxiety relief.
Okay, I cheated – the first 4 poses are from yoga, but the last one is from Qi Gong (Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese body flow). The reason why I added it to this list is because it is SO EFFECTIVE, as well as the fact that it can easily be integrated into your yoga routine. In fact, it can be done any place, any time! (It is number 5 on the list!)
I’m excited to share with you this list because I realized how much I actually rely on yoga and movement to manage my anxiety, especially during the lockdown. (Read more about How to Deal with Coronavirus Anxiety)
I made sure I absolutely have a routine, because I am prone to cabin fever when stuck at home too long. Cabin fever is what I describe as intense mood swings and irritation from being home alone too much.
My routine includes daily yoga, working out and meditation in the morning WITHOUT FAIL.
Yesterday, I was going through some really tough emotions including anxiety. It was tough, but I know I did better than I would have if I didn’t have my yoga with me.
5 Yoga Poses for Anxiety Relief in Seconds
PS: When I mean seconds, I mean literal seconds. These really do work because they focus on your heart, your breathing and the flow of your body. Here are the 5 yoga poses for anxiety relief in seconds.
1 – Child’s pose | Yoga for Anxiety Relief
If you had to pick only one yoga pose from this list, I would hands down suggest child’s pose. There is something about being face down with your hands in front of you, almost like you are bowing down, that brings so much peace. It feels like surrender. Surrendering to the universe and letting go of all your worries and anxiety.
2 – Mountain pose | Yoga for Anxiety Relief
This is absolutely one of my favorite poses in yoga. I like to make sure I breathe in deep and raise my hands up, while saying, “It feel so good to be alive!” If you are not a deep diver from Ralph Smart’s Infinite Waters, what are you even doing?
3 – Cat-cow poses | Yoga for Anxiety Relief
The most important thing about cat-cow poses is the back movement, according to me. I love moving my back (and in connection, my lungs) in a lovely flow. The breath enters and leaves my body in an infinity symbol. Just so you know, cat and cow poses are 2 different poses that are done together, usually in a flow.
4 – Legs up the wall | Yoga for Anxiety Relief
Legs up the wall pose is a very powerful yoga pose for anxiety relief in seconds. This is because it gives your heart a rest, and also, all your blood rushes downwards to your heart. This is vey good for anxiety. It calms down anxiety and makes everything so much better. I always do this pose, and in fact I first came across it on Pinterest. There was an image of a lady with her legs up a wall, and some text reading, “Do this for 10 minutes and feel the magic” or at least something like that.
5 – Shake the Tree | QI GONG for anxiety relief
I utterly love Qi Gong. I discovered it last year while looking for variety in my yoga. I love yoga, but I’m not flexible enough for a lot of advanced moves and I feel a little left out, to be honest. That’s when I found qi gong, and how much I love the concept. It revolves around “chi” which you may have heard of. Chi is basically energy. I love the concept of working with energy so much.
Chi has so many poses and exercises, but I absolutely adore the shake the tree exercise. It gives INSTANT anxiety relief. It’s INSTANT. All you have to do is jump a little, or rise on your toes and back down rapidly, while keeping your whole body including knees and shoulders limp so they just flow in the breeze. You are the tree, and you are shaking out all your anxiety!
By the way, if you are looking to try out a little qi gong, I would recommend this following video below. It helped me get into qi gong and enjoy it SO FREAKING MUCH!
Yoga the Anxiety Away!
Be sure to try out one or all of the above yoga poses for anxiety relief in seconds. I hope you specifically try out the qi gong shake the tree movement. It can be done anywhere. If you feel anxiety, just get up and shake your body a bit. You will instantly feel GOOD.
If you want to comment, scroll down to my comment section and leave your feedback. I would love that.
Additional Helpful Content:
- 10 Easy Yoga Poses for Any Level of Practice
- 5 Yoga Poses to Get Rid of Headaches
- Top 10 Yoga Poses for Beginners
- Top 10 Foods That Help with Anxiety
- How to Heal Anxiety + Free Anxiety Healing Worksheet
- How to Get Rid of Anxiety Forever
Leave a Comment!