International Yoga Day: Easy Postures For Teenagers To Keep Stress In Check

Bhubaneswar: The world is celebrating Yoga Day, a form of exercise that originated in India. To give much-needed peace and relief to mind and body, Yoga has been the first choice of almost everyone. Practising yoga regularly not only helps relieve stress but also lead to weight loss and flexibility.

Yoga also helps teenagers to deal with their studies, peer pressure, exam pressure and other bodily changes, said Bhubaneswar-based Yoga expert Soumya Dash. She advised some Yoga asanas for teenagers to optimise physical and mental abilities.

Tadasana (Palm Tree Pose): Stand with the feet together arms by the sides. Place the hands on the top of the head. Inhale while raising the arms, retain and breathe normally in the stretch and exhale while lowering the arms. It strengthens knees, thigh, arms and firms abdomen and buttocks.

Tirakya Tadasana: Stand with the feet more than shoulder-width apart. Raise the arms over the head, stretching upwards. Bend to the right side of the chest, hold for a second, come back to the upright position and repeat on the left side. It loosens and exercises the sides of the waist.

Kati Chakrasana: Stand, with feet about shoulder-width apart and arms by the sides. Raise the arms to shoulder level, then twist the body to the right. This asana tones neck, shoulders, waist and back. It is useful for correcting back stiffness and postural problems.

Sukhasana:

Sit straight with folded legs. Place the hands on knees with jnana mudra. Close your eyes. This is the easiest and most comfortable meditation posture. It helps in attaining physical and mental balance without causing strain or pain.

Vajrasana: Kneel on the floor with knees closed. Bring the big toes together and separate the heels and lower the buttocks on to the side surface of the feet. Place the hands on the knees, palms down. This will bring tranquillity to the mind if practised with the eyes closed.

Eka Pada Pranamasana: Stand upright with right feet inside the thigh of the left leg. When the body is balanced, place the hands in prayer position in front of the chest for the final position. This asana helps to develop nervous balance. It also strengthens leg, ankle and foot muscles. Steady the body and distribute the weight equally on both feet.

This Yoga Day, make a commitment to a healthy lifestyle!