Beat stress with this yoga pose

This posture will calm your brain and nervous system and help you relieve stress.

Salamba sarvangasana or supported shoulder stand provides a great stretch to the shoulders and neck. It calms the nervous system and the brain and, therefore, helps relieve stress. It is a great pose to improve digestion, stimulate thyroid glands, reduce fatigue and eliminate insomnia. The posture also helps relieve the symptoms of menopause.

Steps to do the pose:

• Begin with halasana or plough pose. Bend your elbows and place your hands on your back and hips. Try and place your elbows shoulder-width apart.
• Now lift your legs up off the floor. Make sure you keep your neck straight, and you are gazing upwards.
• Now raise your body while pointing your toes towards the ceiling. Your body weight should be on your shoulders. Keep breathing deeply and stay in this position for 30-60 seconds.
• Slowly lower your body and relax.

Word of caution:

• Avoid this pose if you have neck or back problems.
• Do not perform the pose if you are menstruating or are pregnant.
• Also, do not get into the pose if you are suffering from high blood pressure.

You may also like to read:

• 5 ways to relieve stress naturally
• Beat exam stress of yoga

Image source: Getty Images

---

For more articles on yoga, visit our yoga section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.