Friday, March 7, 2008

Yoga to fight stress!

Shavasana
 
Lie on your back, both legs straight and apart by about one foot. keep your arms on the floor, slightly away from your torso, the palms facing upwards. Make sure that there is no tension in your body.
 
Let your limbs loose. close your eyes and focus all your attention on your breathing. Focus on inhaling and exhaling in arythmic pattern. Rest in this position for five minutes.
 
BENEFITS
 
Helps overcome physical and mental fatigue; is the simplest way to fight depression, tension and insomnia; has a calming influence on entire body and one of the best ways to relax.
 
 
Aum Chanting
 
This is the perfect way to begin and end all exercise sessions. Sit in a comfortable postion, like padmasana or sukhasana, breathing normally. Inhale to your lungs' capacity. Open your mouth and say 'aaa' first. Then close your mouth slightly and say 'o'  and then close your mouth fully, saying 'mmm' and exhaling all the while. Repeat this cycle a few times.
 
BENEFITS
 
Boosts energy circulation in your body
 
The aum sound reverberates throughout the universe, as well as our bodies. it contains within itself the powers of the trinity; Vishnu, Brahma, Mahesh. When you chant in the meditative fashion, all your energy gets refreshed. You feel recharged, ready to take on anything.
 
Hasayasana
 
Sit in sukhasana and close your eyes. Now, smile, feel happy and think that you are free from all mental tensions. Tell yourself that you are free of all the ailments. gradually, start laughiing, louder and louder. Let yourself free and laugh out as much as you can. Raise your hands as well. Slowly lower the volume, reduce your tempo and return to the calm, smiling position.
 
BENEFITS
 
Helps develop a healthy mindset; takes the mind completely off all physical ailments or mental tensions; helps get rid of any anger, irritation or depression.
 
Courtesy:  Dr. Surakshit Goswami, Times Wellness, Delhi Times, with TOI March 7