The stress and anxiety levels of people during this pandemic have drastically increased. It has taken both a physical and mental toll on us. We're always hunched over our desks, typing on our laptops, or lying in strange positions on our beds. The amount of physical movement in our lives has also been greatly reduced. You can try yoga to reap its fitness benefits, increase flexibility, or enjoy the peace of mind it brings.

Let's look at a few poses and asanas that help alleviate physical and mental stress. These have a calming effect on us and aid in relaxing our minds and bodies.

1. Parsva urdhva hastasana (Standing Side Bend Pose) 

This yoga asana benefits your back and muscles while also releasing pent-up anxiety and stress that strengthens your immune system.

How to do standing side bend pose (Parsva urdhva hastasana):

Stand straight and bend to your left side. Slowly raise your right arm up and overhead and lean to the left side. Breathe into the stretch and then switch sides.
This relaxing yoga pose helps relieve stress.

2. Vrikshasana (tree pose )

It strengthens your legs and opens up your hips. It helps increase concentration and focus.

How to do the tree pose (Vrikshasana):

Stand straight and focus on a point in front of you. Slowly raise one leg and place the sole against the other thigh. Raise your hands over your hands while keeping your palms pressed together.

3. Balasana (child's pose)

This asana helps reduce stress and fatigue. It relaxes your mind and stretches your hips, thighs, and ankles.

How to do the child's pose (Balasana):

Sit with your leg tucked under and your back straight. Slowly bend forward and stretch your hands. Stay in this position for 30 seconds and then release.

4. Shavasana (corpse pose)

This yoga pose is one of the best asanas to help you calm your mind and relax your body.

How to do the corpse pose:

Lie on your back, close your eyes and rest your hands on your sides with the palms facing the sky. Start focusing on your body, starting from the toes.

5. Padmasana (lotus pose)

This asana helps to manage stress and is a stepping stone towards meditation practice.

How to do the lotus pose:

Sit straight, bend your right knee, and rest your right foot on your left hip crease. Bend your left knee, and rest your left foot on your right hip crease.

Deep and controlled breathing paired with poses and movements in yoga increases mental peace and has a relaxing effect on our bodies.

Live aastey means to be mindful and to find joy in various moments, without judging and comparing. These yoga techniques help live aastey. They help keep you calm and centered so that you can truly live every moment.