10 Yoga Practices
Nolan O'Connor
| 26-11-2024
· Lifestyle team
Finding moments of calm in a fast-paced world can seem impossible. However, incorporating mindful yoga practices into your routine can alleviate stress and boost happiness.
Dear Lykkers, here are ten transformative yoga poses and mindfulness practices to help you reconnect with your inner self.

1. Child's Pose: The Comforting Reset

Why It Works: This gentle stretch relaxes your lower back, hips, and thighs while promoting a sense of security and calm.
How To Practice: Sit on your heels, extend your arms forward, and let your forehead rest on the mat. Breathe deeply and let go of tension.

2. Shavasana: The Art of Letting Go

Why It Works: Known as the corpse pose, this practice focuses on relaxation and mindfulness, allowing your body and mind to rest completely.
How To Practice: Lie down flat on your back with your arms relaxed at your sides and close your eyes. Breathe naturally, observing each breath.

3. Happy Baby Pose: Joyful Release

Why It Works: This playful pose gently stretches your lower back and opens your hips, releasing stored stress.
How To Practice: Lie on your back, bring your knees toward your chest, and hold your feet with your hands. Rock gently if you like.

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Video by VENTUNO YOGA

4. Cat-Cow Pose: Energize and Flow

Why It Works: Combining movement and breath, this pose improves spinal flexibility and alleviates stress.
How To Practice: Move between arching (cow) and rounding (cat) your back while coordinating with your breath.

5. Legs Up the Wall: Calm and Rejuvenate

Why It Works: This restorative pose promotes circulation and reduces anxiety.
How To Practice: Lie on your back and extend your legs vertically against a wall. Relax your arms at your sides and take deep, steady breaths.

6. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Lift Your Spirits

Why It Works: This gentle backbend helps strengthen your spine, opens up your chest, and promotes deeper, more effective breathing.
How To Practice: Lie on your back, bend your knees, and lift your hips toward the ceiling. Clasp your hands beneath you for support.

7. Mindful Breathing: Connect with the Present

Why It Works: Focusing on your breath calms the mind and anchors you in the present moment.
How To Practice: Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take slow, deep breaths. Observe each inhale and exhale.

8. Spinal Twist: Unwind Your Day

Why It Works: This pose relieves tension in your spine and encourages detoxification.
How To Practice: Sit or lie down and twist gently to one side, keeping your breath steady. Repeat on the other side.

9. Body Scan Meditation: Relax and Reconnect

Why It Works: This practice involves observing sensations in each part of your body, promoting relaxation and awareness.
How To Practice: Lie comfortably, and mentally scan your body from head to toe, pausing at each area.

10. Gratitude: Embrace Positivity

Why It Works: Cultivating gratitude shifts your focus from stress to appreciation, enhancing your emotional well-being.
How To Practice: Spend a few minutes reflecting on things you're grateful for, either in meditation or journaling.
Integrating these mindful yoga practices into your daily routine can transform your approach to stress and happiness. With each breath and pose, you'll find yourself more connected to the present moment, cultivating peace and joy that lasts.