Yoga for Mind Relaxation
Yoga for Mind Relaxation

7 Effective Yoga (Exercise) for Mind Relaxation

yoga for mind relaxation

Introduction

Stress is omnipresent. We face a number of stressors in our day to day lives. Job insecurity, relationship and health problems and a myriad of other issues become our stress triggers. If not managed early on, these stressors can lead to anxiety, depression and other psychosomatic conditions. In such a scenario, managing stress with the help of certain relaxation techniques seems the only way out. 

Yoga has been practised since ancient times to enhance immunity and build mental and physical resilience. Today, yoga is perceived as an exercise regime that can calm and relax our stressed-out mind and body. Yoga for mind relaxation includes certain yogic poses and breathing techniques which you can imbibe as part of your exercise routine. 

How can I calm my mind with yoga?

The pressures of everyday life can be effectively dealt with a sustained yoga practise. 

We have selected 7 yoga postures which when practised mindfully can effectively calm down an agitated mind while helping relax an exhausted body.

Child’s Pose (aka Balasana)

Child’s Pose (Balasana)

When it comes to yoga for mind relaxation, ‘(aka Balasana)’ or child’s pose should be practised. This yogic pose helps reduce fatigue and anxiety while increasing blood circulation to upper parts of the body. In this pose your hips and lower back are stretched which can be very calming. 

Try this pose by first sitting on the heels. Leave some gap between your thighs. Bend forward in this position by extending your upper body. Your midsection should rest between the thighs. Let your arms extend forward to touch the floor. Hold this position for about 5 minutes by taking several deep long breaths.

Cobra Pose (aka Bhujangasana)

Cobra pose (aka Bhujangasana) is the best yoga for mind relaxation. This spine strengthening pose helps to relieve tiredness and stress. ‘Bhujangasana’ helps to uplift your mood as well as your energy levels. 

Are you making these 7 mistakes in the cobra pose? | HealthShots

To practise this pose, lie flat with your face towards the ground. Place your palms on the floor with some distance between your shoulders. Your pelvis and lower body should be always on the ground. Take a deep breath and lift your chest from the ground facing upwards. Let your lower body stay grounded. Pay attention that you lift from your abdominal region rather than using your arms for resting your body. Hold this pose by taking deep breaths. Then, rest your body on the ground while you exhale.

Warrior II (Virabhadrasana)

Virabhadrasana | How to Practice Warrior 2

This stimulating and balancing pose can help relieve stress and tension. This pose is ideal to relieve backache which is one of the many symptoms of stress. 

In this pose, you will be required to distribute your weight equally between your legs. Bend your front knee and keep your hips in square forward position. Extend both your arms over both your legs.

Dancer’s Pose (Natarajasana)

How to do Dancer Pose - Yoga Tutorial — Alo Moves

This pose resembles Lord Shiva’s dancing avatar. This stress relieving pose strengthens your legs and ankles while stretching your shoulders, abdomen, groin and thoracic region. ‘Natarajasana’(Dance Pose) calms the mind and helps improve memory. 

Begin by standing in ‘Tadasana’. Breathe in and lift your left foot while ensuring that your body weight rests on the right foot. Your both hips and chest should be parallel to the floor and mat respectively. Your right arm should be extended straight from shoulders to your fingers. Hold the left foot outer ankle firmly with your left hand. Your right foot toes should be pointing ahead while you gaze ahead. Your torso should be kept erect. You can hold this pose for up to half a minute. Release and repeat from other side.

Forward Fold Pose (Uttanasana)

Mega We care - Uttanasana: Yoga pose for relaxation Uttanasana is one of  the beginner yoga poses that offers a complete stretch to the body. The  word 'Uttanasana' is a combination of

This yoga pose stretches the hamstrings and the calves. It also helps mitigate tension in the neck, head and shoulder areas. To perform the forward fold pose, stand up and place your feet at a hips-width distance. Bend your knees and fold forward. Your hands should rest on opposite elbows. Sway sideways to release tension in the lower back region. Then, gently roll up to the standing position.

Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)

Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) // Lessons.com

This yoga for mind relaxation helps soothe tired body. It gives a good stretch to inner thighs while opening up the hips.

 To do this pose, lie on your back and join your feet soles by touching them together. Your one hand should be brought to your heart region while the other hand rests on the belly. Close your eyes. Alternatively, you can stretch your arms overhead and rest your right palm in your other hand. Keep breathing deeply.

Corpse Pose (Savasana)

How to Do Corpse Pose (Savasana)

Considered perhaps one of the most effective poses of yoga for mind relaxation, Savasana (Corpse Pose) helps reduce stress by calming the mind. The Corpse pose helps in calming down of the central nervous system and aids the immune and the digestive systems. Known to kindle spiritual awareness, the Corpse pose is also an easy and simple yoga pose to practise.

In this pose, lie flat on the ground on your back. Gently roll open your feet while flipping your palms open facing the ceiling. Place both your shoulders down your back. Loosen up your entire body and keep your eyes closed. 

Looking Ahead

Besides the above-mentioned yoga poses, there are many other yogic exercises that work to reduce stress and ailments throughout our body. Yoga, when done in tandem with pranayama and meditation becomes an effective tool to calm our frayed nerves and relax our body.

Yoga Poses for Back Pain FAQs

Loader image

Yoga can help manage back pain caused by:

  • Poor posture or prolonged sitting
  • Muscle imbalances or tightness
  • Weak core and back muscles
  • Herniated discs (in some cases)

Stress-related tension
Always check with a doctor or physiotherapist if your pain is chronic or severe.

Some beginner-friendly and effective poses include:

  • Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana–Bitilasana)
  • Child’s Pose (Balasana)
  • Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
  • Sphinx Pose
  • Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

Supine Twist
Each of these helps stretch and strengthen your spine and surrounding muscles.

For best results, aim for 15–30 minutes, 3 to 5 times a week. Consistency is key. Even short daily sessions can provide noticeable relief over time.

Yoga and physiotherapy complement each other beautifully. Physiotherapy focuses on clinical recovery, while yoga maintains flexibility, builds strength, and supports long-term wellness. For best results, consider integrating both under professional guidance.

Yoga can help—but only with the right modifications and guidance. Avoid deep forward bends or twisting poses unless approved by a healthcare provider. It's best to consult a physiotherapist or yoga therapist for a tailored plan.

If done incorrectly, yes. Overstretching, poor alignment, or practicing advanced poses too soon can aggravate your back. Always:

  • Start slow
  • Use prop
  • Follow certified instruction
  • Avoid poses that strain the spine

Not at all! Many yoga poses for back pain are beginner-friendly and focus on gentle stretching and strengthening. You can start with online or in-person guided sessions designed specifically for pain relief.

Yes, especially if the sessions are led by certified instructors or therapists who understand musculoskeletal conditions. Look for programs that offer personalized plans, modifications, and step-by-step guidance.

Some people feel better after just one session, especially when pain is related to muscle tightness or stress. For long-term or chronic back pain, 2–4 weeks of consistent practice usually brings noticeable improvements.

With over 8 years of experience as a Yoga Therapist, I blend ancient Yogic wisdom with contemporary research to manage chronic pain and improve overall well-being. Holding a Master's in Yoga Therapy and currently pursuing a PhD, my expertise extends to areas like weight loss, flexibility, stress, diabetes, and prenatal care. My research on the effects of Yoga on Musculoskeletal disorders was recognized in the 'UGC Care Journal'. As the Head of Yoga at FlexifyMe, my dedicated approach supports individuals globally, offering specialized online Yoga and Physiotherapy sessions, emphasizing a vision of a pain-free world.

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *