This is a series of poses that can help greatly with stress and anxiety.  To experience the most benefit from these poses, perform them as a sequence of 7 poses once a day or when experiencing times of high stress or anxiety to help you cope.

Mountain

Stand up straight, spread toes like a fan, distribure weight evenly over feet, tuck tail bone in, straighten arms along sides, palms facing in. Shoulders back and down, lift chest. Neck and shoulders relaxed. Look straight ahead.
 
Hold for 1-2 min.

forward bend

Stand with feet hip distance apart, knees bent slightly, bend forward from waist, bring chest to thighs, let head and arms hang.

Hold 30 sec - 1 min.

wide leg forward bend

Stand with feet a comfortable width apart, bend from the waist, place hands on floor, bring head towards floor (use a block or pillow to rest your head on if dessired).

Hold 30 sec - 1 min.

basic triangle

Stand with feet a comfortable width apart, raise arms to shoulder height, turn right foot out 90 degrees and bring left toes in slightly, align heels. Extend torso to right and place right hand on shin or floor (where ever is comfortable). Reach left hand up keeping arm in line with shoulder.

Hold 15-30 sec, repeat other side.

A Twist

​Sit sideways on a chair with thighs supported, place feet hip distance apart directly under knees. Lift waist and open chest, hold onto sides of shair back, lift elbows up and out to sides. Pull chair towards you with close hand and push chair away with far hand. Twist with exhalation, look over shoulder.

Hold 30 sec - 1 min, repeat other side.

Child's pose

Get on hands and knees, place knees hip distance apart, feet together. Lean back and sit on your heels. Extend arms and torso forward, rest your forehead on floor, arms stretched out in front.

 Hold 1-5 min.

corpse

Lay on floor, let feet drop drop to sides, rest head on back centre of skull. Relax arms at sides with back of hands on floor. Breath.

 Hold 5-10 min.
* Pose descriptions by Yoga to the Rescue.
* Photography by Ash Nayler.