Yoga that helps reduce anxiety and stress amidst daily hustle-bustle

How does Kriya yoga help one achieve balance between one’s inner self and the outer world? We find out.

The ancient practice of yoga has scores of benefits, but its core philosophy centres around creating balance within the self. It teaches one to calm down the negative thoughts swirling in one’s mind and to reduce anxiety by filling the heart with love instead of fear. Thus, it eliminates one’s stress to a large extent.

Kriya yoga, particularly, teaches one to infuse the heart with compassion and love for all God’s creatures. It helps one change perspective about life by prompting one to seek salvation through selfless service of humanity. Overall, however, yoga offers tremendous physical and mental benefits while strengthening one’s connection with God.

Consider practicing the following asanas for the best benefits:

• Balasana (Child pose): It helps to release tension in the neck and back. Sit on your heels and bend forward to rest on your elbows. Now bring your elbows towards your body such that your chest rests on your thighs. Keep your feet together and lower your head to touch the ground. Stretch out your arms and hold the pose for at least 10 seconds.
• Uttana Shishosana (Extended puppy pose): Rest on your hands and knees, with your knees under your hips and your palms under your shoulders. Now slowly descend your torso towards the ground to stretch the spine and hover the chest a few inches away from the ground. Lengthen out your back and stay in position for 20 seconds. This asana eliminates back stress and pain.
• Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half fish pose): Sit on the floor with both legs stretched out. Now bend your left knee and pull the left foot towards the body. Twine your right arm around your left knee and put the left hand behind your back on the floor. This will twist your spine while you look over your left shoulder. This asana works the entire back and improves digestion as well.
• Shavasana (Corpse pose): This is the best asana because it helps one relax after a gruelling yoga session! Lie down flat on the floor and spread your legs slightly. Keep your palms facing the sky and let the feet lie limply on their sides. Straighten the back but do not put pressure on it. Now relax and focus on your breathing, imagining the inhale and exhale. This asana is also an excellent aid to meditation.