Best Yoga Poses for Managing Anxiety

• August 3, 2020
• By Candice Clark

Best Yoga Poses for Managing Anxiety

Easy Seated Pose

Come into a seated position that is comfortable for you. You may have your legs crossed or not, either is fine. Ideally, sit up tall and in a posture in which you are still and comfortable. Notice your breath coming in and out of your nostrils. Each time you notice your mind wander, gently bring it back to the breath. You don’t need to close your eyes if that is hard for you. Simply observe your breath for a moment.

Standing Forward Fold

Come into a standing position. Take a deep breath in and as you breathe out, slowly lower the top half of your body towards the ground, moving your torso towards your thighs. As you fold forwards, notice how you surrender your anxiety, worries, and cares to your provider and caretaker. God has you in the palm of His hands. Repeat three times, really drawing out the exhale each time and handing over all your cares to Jesus. 

Extended Child’s Pose

Sitting on your calves (buttocks on feet), take a deep breath in, raising your hands overhead. Notice the cross of Jesus in front of you and fold forward into extended child’s pose. Again, laying all your cares at the foot of the cross. It is done. He has said so. Rest here for as long as you need to. Gently bringing your mind back to the breath when it wanders.

Windshield Wipers Pose

Come into a reclined position. Place your arms perpendicular to your body at shoulder height with your palms facing up. Bend your knees with the soles of your feet on the floor. Take a deep breath in and look over your left shoulder. As you breathe out, let your knees fall gently to the right (they do not need to touch the floor, you can also use yoga blocks to rest them on). Repeat on the other side. And repeat each side twice. Draw your out-breath out and feel your body surrender into your protector and provider, into Jesus. 

Legs Up the Wall

Sit with the right-hand side of your body against a wall. Gently lean back and climb your legs up the wall to the right. You will now have your buttocks close to the wall, your feet going up the wall, and the top half of your body on the floor. Place your hands on your belly. Notice and feel your belly rise on the inhale and fall on the exhale. Choose your favorite worship song to listen to as you do this. Let the music and words minister to your heart. God is with you, friend!

Want to learn more yoga poses and how they can help you feel your best? Check out our 200 Hour Holy Yoga Instructor training here!