If you only have time for one pose, make it this one: legs up the wall, also known as ‘viparita karani’. This asana is considered a restorative, gentle inversion, and while it’s usually practiced at the end of a yoga class, it can be helpful on its own to relax the body.
Performing quiet, restorative poses can help calm your body and mind, relieving stress and anxiety. When the legs are stretched up the wall and are higher than the heart, gravity can help the circulation of both blood and lymphatic fluid.
When you’re able to relax the body, it becomes easier to relax the mind. The best thing about this pose you can do it anywhere at any time. Practice the legs up the wall pose at night before getting into bed, or in the middle of the night when sleep is elusive. I often do just 10 minutes before I head off to do the school run in the afternoon. It’s a quick reboot for my nervous system and I add in some gentle breathing and the effects are even better!
You will feel the grounding benefits if you stay in this pose for anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes.
This pose can be practiced by beginners and beyond.
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