Yoga is a great way to reduce stress and let go of negative emotions. New research reveals that there are specific yoga poses that mitigate negative energy.
Yoga for stress may be recommended by physicians. There are so many beneficial exercises that you can do to reduce stress, along with taking time to relax.
Here are the ten yoga poses that help you release the pent-up negativity from your being.
10 Yoga Poses That Mitigate Negative Energy and Help You Refocus
Yoga is often suggested by mental health therapists to aid in letting go of negative energy. These five poses are recommended to get you started.
1. Baddha Kanasana (Bound Angle Pose).
The “bound angle pose” is also known as “butterfly pose,” “cobbler’s pose,” or “throne pose.” This yoga pose is recommended to reduce stress for the following reasons.
- Can be used for meditation
- Aids in releasing tension
- Aids in reducing fatigue
- Can help to release feelings of guilt or shame
There are other benefits to this pose, including relieving digestive discomfort and improving flexibility of the groin muscles and relief for menstrual pain.
2. Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward Facing Dog).
One of the most popular poses is “Downward Facing Dog.” The “Upward Facing Dog” isn’t mentioned often, but it is one of the best yoga poses recommended for letting go of negative energy in the following ways:
- Aids in reducing symptoms of depression
- Aids in reducing fatigue
- Reduces posture
- Improves digestion
The Upward Facing Dog is also suitable for relieving symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, eases asthma symptoms, and stimulates the abdominal organs.
3. Salamba Sirsana (Supported Headstand).
Research shows that turning the head upside down can calm the mind. Holding this pose for about two minutes, according to the study, can help lower the heart rate and improve the body’s sympathetic responses. Here are other benefits of doing this pose?
- Relieves depression
- Relieves anxiety
- Improves sleep
- Improves stimulation for the pituitary and pineal gland
- Relieves the symptoms of menopause
Although this one of the yoga poses utilized for removing negative energy, it also increases focus. With the head below the heart, you produce endorphins. These chemicals make you feel fantastic.
4. Marjaryasana (Cat-to-Cow).
Breathing correctly and focusing on the breath is at the core of practicing yoga. The purpose is to slow the breathing down and bring the body to a resting state. The Cat-to-Cow pose is beneficial in the following ways:
- Opens the chest to encourage deep breathing
- Calms the mind
- Relieves stress
- Releases tension in the shoulders and neck
The history of the Marjaryasana is the cat, representing balance. They also represent patience and quiet for other cultures. It goes without saying that the way a cat stretches appears to be a great example of stretching out the back and breathing deeply.
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5. Sukhasana (Easy Pose).
The “Easy Pose” is one that noted for bringing peace to the helm. A forward bend, when practiced correctly, can aid in bringing calm. Breath calmly, slow and easy without straining or difficulty. Allow the body to fall forward at the hip and lengthen the back of the leg and hip.
Practice forward bends can bring calm and a focus on breathing where it needs to be. Try this yoga pose for the following concerns:
- Controlling and reducing stress
- Decreasing anxiety
- Reducing strain on the hamstrings
6. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend).
The Standing Forward Bend is a pose that can bring calm, and it is also used in between yoga sequences to relax the body before more active yoga conditioning.
The goal of this yoga pose is to:
- Increase exhalation
- Stress reduction
- Release tension in the shoulders and neck
- Release the hamstrings from any tension
It should be reiterated that forward bends can bring calm to the mind when they are practice correctly. The blood rushes to the brain and brings calm to reduce stress and anxiety.
7. Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-Legged Standing Forward Bend).
Wide-Legged Standing Forward Bend is a yoga pose similar to Standing Forward Bend. The legs are wider apart as you line your feet outside of the hip itself. Placing hands on the floor, they should be no further than the distance of your shoulders.
A Wide-Legged Standing Forward Bend offers the following benefits:
- Reduces stress
- Reduces anxiety
- Freeing the belly
- Aids in breathing in a relaxed fashion
New research has shed light on why the Wide-Legged Forward Bend is so beneficial for reducing stress. The new insight is into navel radiation. As infants, we breathe like this, almost like a starfish.
Breathing from the belly allows us to unlock our limbs, torso, and chest. We can open up and breathe better. This is what helps to reduce anxiety and stress. This makes it a breathing pattern that is vital for our good mental health.
Pushing the bones back that you sit on will help you open up the space that you need to breathe. Move them back, resting most of the weight on your heels. It will help you get the angle that you need to do the pose correctly.
This yoga pose is known for being one of the most balanced of all standing poses. It is beneficial to “recoup” the body in between more strenuous poses, but bringing balance and calm is a major benefit for all who practice yoga.
8. Vrksa Asana (Tree Pose).
Tree pose is one of the most popular poses in yoga. It is fun to pose like a tree, but the pose itself has many benefits. It is also what a tree represents that makes it special.
Tree pose contributes to physical and mental stability. While many poses are known for their meditative qualities while seated, there are also meditative qualities in standing poses.
Standing on one foot can help bring calm and focus while in the pose. The focus always comes back to the breath. Standing on one leg can help you focus and regain balance in your posture.
Just like a tree can withstand the elements without breaking, so can the tree pose show help you stand strong physically and emotionally with whatever you are facing.
Tree pose helps to bring calm and focus to the center of your life. Because it encourages a meditative state, it should be used to bring calm to your mind when you feel out of balance.
Dr. Andrew Weil said about tree pose, “One of my favorite yoga poses, the Tree Pose is a great way to promote relaxation. I imagine myself as a tall, deeply rooted cottonwood while performing this pose.”
9. Chaturanga Dandasana (Plank Pose).
Plank Pose is known for assisting in the release of endorphins. These are the “feel good” chemicals that get released during physical activity.
Plank Pose may also help to improve the following:
- Improve your mood
- Reduce stress
- Increase feelings of happiness
- Good stretching for the entire body
These are all tremendous benefits, including its ability to release tension in the body. Adding a plank pose is a good way to mitigate negative energy, and look forward to life.
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10. Vajra Asana (Thunderbolt Pose).
Thunderbolt Pose is amongst the best poses for yoga for reducing stress and negative energy. It has many benefits of regular practice, including:
- Improved posture
- Improved pelvic bones
- Relieves digestion and gas
- Great for long periods of meditation
- Reduces stress
- Reduces anxiety
Many who meditate for great, long periods choose this ancient pose, thanks to the seated posture. However, it is also known for its other benefits. This pose is similar to the Hero’s Pose, but you hold the feet in a different position.
The significance of this pose is that it means “strong,” “like a diamond.” You will derive the following benefits from this yoga pose, including the following:
- The regular practice causes it to calm the mind
- Induces a sense of stability
- A great posture for breath work, which brings focus
Final Thoughts on Using Yoga to Release Negativity and Focus on Positivity
“Yoga is the alchemy of our minds into purity.” ~T.K.V. Desikachar
The ability to sit in the pose for long periods of time is what makes it possible to bring about relaxation. As always, exercise caution when practicing certain poses–you don’t want an injury to complicate matters.
It is wise to use all of these best yoga poses for reducing stress and mitigating negative energy on a regular basis. The consistent practice of yoga is essential for the absolute best results.
Start by getting some yoga training with an experienced and reputable yoga teacher. This helps to ensure that you are learning the proper form. Additionally, you’ll get the best benefit for living a stress-free life.
