There are lots of yoga
poses you can do to help you relax. Here are a few to try. The first two yoga
poses below—the extended puppy pose and the cat cow pose—are simple to learn
and easy to do. It's best to start there if you have never done yoga before.
The other pose—the reclining bound angle pose—is a little more advanced. All of
these yoga poses can help you relax and relieve stress.
Extended puppy pose
The extended puppy pose 
is
easy to do and is very relaxing. Try this yoga pose for a good spine stretch
and relaxation.
Caution: If you have knee problems,
don't do this pose. Or you can talk to a certified yoga instructor about how to
modify this pose.
Cat cow pose
With the cat cow pose , you move from one position to another using your
breath to tell you when to switch positions. This pose combines breathing and
movement to help relieve stress and make the spine more flexible. Repeat the
sequence 10 to 20 times. Make sure to do the movements as you breathe in and
out.
Caution: If you have neck problems
or an injury, keep your neck in the original position in line with your torso
instead of moving it with your spine.
Reclining bound angle pose
For the reclining bound angle pose , you may need to use props to
get the full benefits. A prop is something you use to support different parts
of your body in a yoga pose. You can buy yoga props, such as blocks or bolsters
(large hard pillows). Or you can use items that you have at home, such as
pillows or blankets.
When you do this pose for the first time,
take the time to adjust your props so that you can completely relax when you
are in the pose. If the pose makes you tense or uncomfortable, use props. You
may want to use one or more of the following props:
- One or more stiff, folded blankets to support
your back.
- A rolled blanket, hard pillows, or yoga blocks to
support your knees.
- A small pillow to support your neck.
Caution: Do not do this exercise
after giving birth until your doctor says it is okay. If you have knee, hip, or
shoulder problems, don't do this pose. Or you can talk to a certified yoga
instructor to find out how to modify this pose.
Test Your Knowledge
The cat cow pose combines breathing and movement to
help relieve stress and make the spine more flexible.
- True
- False
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Where to go from here
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Stress Management: Practicing Yoga to Relax
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