Lying Down Yoga Poses For When You Need To Unwind

In yoga, supine poses are often used to help people relax and unwind. They work by lengthening the spine and opening up the chest, which helps to release tension (1).

1. Shanti Asanam (Peaceful Pose)

1. Lie on your back with your legs extended and your arms by your sides. 
2. Take a few deep breaths and allow your body to relax.

2. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. 
2. Place your arms at your sides. 
3. Slowly lift your hips off the ground, using your legs and back to support you. 
4. Hold this pose for a few breaths before lowering back down.

3. Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

1. Kneel on the floor with your feet hip-width apart and your knees bent. 
2. Place your hands on your lower back, fingers pointing down.
3. Slowly lean back, arching your spine. 
4. Hold this pose for a few breaths before returning to an upright position.

4. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

1. Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you and your feet flexed. 
2. Bend forward from your hips, keeping your spine straight. 
3. Reach your hands toward your feet and hold this pose for a few breaths.

5. Halasana (Plow Pose)

1. Lie on your back with your legs extended overhead and your hands by your sides. 
2. Slowly lift your legs up and over your head, keeping them straight. 
3. Rest your toes on the floor behind your head.
4. Hold this pose for a few breaths before returning to the starting position.

Read More: Is Yoga Or Pilates Better For Weight Loss: A Long-Standing Debate Put To Rest

Why You Should Perform Yoga Poses When Lying On Your Back

Yoga poses that are performed while lying on your back are especially helpful in:

• Calming the nervous system: When you are stressed, your sympathetic nervous system is activated. This causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure as well as shallow breathing. Yoga poses that are performed while lying on your back help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which has the opposite effect and helps you to relax (2).
• Stretching the spine: Most people spend a great deal of time during the day sitting or standing, both of which can lead to tightness in the spine. Yoga poses that are performed while lying on your back help to stretch and lengthen the spine, providing relief from pain and discomfort (2).
• Improving circulation: When you are lying down, blood flow is not impeded by the force of gravity. This allows for better circulation throughout the body, which can help to reduce pain and swelling in the joints and muscles (2).
• Relieving tension headaches:Tension headaches are often caused by tightness in the neck and shoulders. Yoga poses that are performed while lying on your back can help release the tension in these areas and provide relief from headaches (2).

The Bottom Line

Yoga poses that are performed while lying on your back can be very helpful in relieving stress and tension. Try the poses listed above the next time you need to unwind and relax.