This Yoga Move Can Help Relieve Anxiety and Tension

Parade shares a stress-busting yoga move to try for this year’s stress awareness month. This simple stretch from Yoga Medicine founder Tiffany Cruikshank is perfect to do at home for stress reduction.

This Yoga Move Can Help Relieve Anxiety and Tension 

April is Stress Awareness Month, a perfect reminder to check on your stress level and how you’re managing it. In November 2017, the American Psychological Association released its annual Stress in America Survey to find out what Americans are stressed out about and what the most popular stress-management methods are. At 47 percent, most Americans handle stress by listening to music, 46 percent exercise or walk, 29 percent pray and 12 percent meditate or do yoga.

Try this simple at-home exercise from yoga instructor Tiffany Cruikshank the next time you are feeling tense. “This pose is a great way to gently stimulate the spinal nerves to help regulate the central nervous system’s response to stress,” says Seattle-based Cruikshank, founder of Yoga Medicine, a training program connecting yoga instructors with doctors and patients.

Spinal Twist

1. Lie on your back with knees bent and feet resting on the floor.

22232.22 Allow your legs to drop to one side, as close to the floor as possible (gently use your hand to deepen the stretch). Keep both shoulders flat on the floor. Take a few deep breaths to encourage relaxation. Hold this position for 1 minute, then switch to the opposite side and repeat.

TIP If you’re uncomfortable in this position, try placing a pillow under or between your legs for support.