Beat stress and relieve anxiety with shashankasana or hare pose

This asana gives a good relaxing stretch to your upper body. Learn how to get into the posture.

Shashankasana or the hare pose is a great asana to reduce stress and relieve anxiety and depression. The posture gives a good relaxing stretch to the upper body and tones the pelvic muscles. It can be very beneficial in relieving sciatica ( lower back) pain.

Steps to do the asana:

Sit in vajrasana and spread both the knees wide apart. While you do this keep the toes of your legs touching. Place your arms between your knees.
As you exhale, slowly stretch your hands. Bend forward and place your chin on the ground. Make sure that you keep your arms parallel.
Maintain this posture for a few consecutive breaths.
As you inhale, slowly come up.
To release, exhale and return to the starting position (vajrasana)
Now stretch your legs forward and relax in this position.

Word of caution