6 Calming Yoga Poses to Soothe the Mind and Release Anxiety

Start Your Calm at Home

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? You don’t need a fancy studio or an hour-long session to feel better. With just a few simple yoga poses, you can create a sense of peace and balance right from your living room. Yoga not only stretches the body but also soothes the nervous system and gently guides the mind toward calm. These 6 beginner-friendly poses are perfect for anyone looking to ease anxiety and promote inner peace.

Child’s Pose (Balasana)

Child’s Pose (Balasana)

A comforting pose that feels like a gentle hug for the soul.

How to do it:

  • Start on your hands and knees
  • Bring your big toes to touch and knees wide apart
  • Sit back onto your heels
  • Lower your torso forward, resting your forehead on the mat
  • Extend your arms in front of you or alongside your body

Benefits:

  • Gently stretches the spine and hips
  • Promotes emotional grounding and relaxation

Tips:

  • If your hips don’t touch your heels, place a cushion underneath
  • Close your eyes and focus on slow, deep breaths

Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani)

Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani)

An instant stress reliever that flips your perspective literally.

How to do it:

  • Sit sideways next to a wall
  • Swing your legs up as you lower your back onto the floor
  • Adjust so your hips are close to the wall and legs are straight up
  • Relax your arms by your sides, palms facing up

Benefits:

  • Improves circulation and calms the nervous system
  • Eases tension in the lower back and legs

Tips:

  • Use a folded blanket under your hips for more comfort
  • Stay in the pose for 5-10 minutes for maximum effect

Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)

Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)

A flowing movement that connects breath and body to release mental fog.

How to do it:

  • Come to your hands and knees in tabletop position
  • Inhale, arch your back and lift your head and tailbone (Cow Pose)
  • Exhale, round your spine and tuck your chin (Cat Pose)
  • Continue this flow for 5–8 breaths

Benefits:

  • Releases tension in the spine and shoulders
  • Improves focus and breath awareness

Tips:

  • Move slowly and match movement to breath
  • Ideal as a warm-up before other poses

Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)

Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)

A quiet, introspective stretch to calm your thoughts.

How to do it:

  • Sit with legs extended straight in front
  • Inhale, lengthen your spine
  • Exhale, hinge at your hips and fold forward, reaching for your feet
  • Let your head relax toward your knees

Benefits:

  • Relieves stress and fatigue
  • Encourages surrender and mental stillness

Tips:

  • Bend your knees slightly if needed
  • Use a strap around your feet for support

Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)

Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)

A restful, heart-opening posture perfect for emotional release.

How to do it:

  • Lie on your back
  • Bring the soles of your feet together, letting knees drop to the sides
  • Support knees with pillows if needed
  • Rest your arms gently by your sides

Benefits:

  • Opens the chest for deeper breathing
  • Reduces stress hormone levels (like cortisol)

Tips:

  • Cover yourself with a blanket for added warmth and comfort
  • Focus on long, slow exhalations

Corpse Pose (Savasana)

Corpse Pose (Savasana)

The final reset button for your entire body and mind.

How to do it:

  • Lie flat on your back, legs extended and arms relaxed at your sides
  • Close your eyes and bring awareness to your breath
  • Release all physical tension, one body part at a time

Benefits:

  • Deeply calms the nervous system
  • Enhances overall mental clarity and balance

Tips:

  • Use an eye pillow or cover to reduce light
  • Stay for at least 5-10 minutes to fully absorb the benefits

Conclusion: A Little Stillness Goes a Long Way

You don’t need to be flexible or experienced to enjoy the calming effects of yoga. Even five minutes of mindful movement or rest can help you feel more centered and at ease. Start small, stay consistent, and notice how your mind and body respond. Try practicing these poses daily or anytime you need a mental reset.

Ready to begin? Roll out your mat and give yourself the gift of peace one pose at a time.

Pooja - Yoga Teacher

Pooja

Pooja is a dedicated yoga teacher and wellness coach based in Ahmedabad. With over 6 years of experience, she’s helped countless students reconnect with their bodies, calm their minds, and transform their lifestyles.

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