Stressed? Detox with 5 Simple Yoga Stances

It's not only for hippie peace loving nomads and shriveled Indian gurus garnished with wooden beads, yoga is for everyone, including you and I. This ancient discipline is meant to stimulate and balance physical, mental and spiritual forces. Because of it's effectiveness, this art is practiced worldwide today.

The Sanskrit word yoga, translates to "unite" "join," or "attach." These three actions are the key foundations to excelling the practice by achieving a still state of permanent peace with the mind to permit the ability to unite, join and attach onto one's self which allows harmony to adhere the body and soul. Also classified as "union with the divine" this practice enforces mental clarity.

I was personally inspired by the multi-talented phenomenon, mother of two and world renowned lifestyle guru Gwyneth Paltrow to begin my adventure with this practice. In an article with Style, Paltrow admits to waking up at 4:30 every morning for a yoga session despite not being a "morning person at all." Somehow in the midst of her hectic family, acting and singing duties, she still does yoga. As 2013's "Most Beautiful Woman," this routine must be working towards her favor as she manages to remain fresh-faced and sane within the relentless film industry.

So for those who have retired their pair of painful heels after a grueling day in the office, the way to release any stress is through a series of yoga stances which allow unwanted toxins and tension to flush out of your system. Below, are five of my favorite positions, but there are a variety of which you can learn at  the website http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/finder/browse_categories.

Namaste.

Downwards Dog

 

Ren, Lily, perf. Downwards Dog. 2014. Film. 27 Mar 2014.

Go on all fours and straighten the elbows and knees while shifting your weight onto the legs. Lean backwards from your hips and lengthen your spine from the tips of the fingers to the last vertebrae.

Child's Pose

Ren, Lily, perf. Child's Pose. 2014. Film. 27 Mar 2014.

Sit on your feet and place your hands in front of you. From your shoulders, direct your energy backwards, look downwards and straighten your spine. Feel a stretch spread in your back. Most importantly, breathe deeply and loosen any tension.

Warrior 1

Ren, Lily, perf. Warrior 1. 2014. Film. 27 Mar 2014.

Step into a lunge and lean into the position from the hips, lift through the heart and raise your arms with palms facing inwards. Slightly bend backwards. Feel the stretch down your spine and within the space between your shoulder blades.

                                                     

                                                                 

Warrior 2 

Ren, Lily, perf. Warrior 2. 2014. Film. 27 Mar 2014.

Step into a lunge and slightly sink into the position from your inner thighs. Spread your arms, tilt your head to the side and open your heart. Feel your chest expand and the stretch in your shoulders spread to the fingers.

Warrior 3 

                                            

Ren, Lily, perf. Warrior 3. 2014. Film. 27 Mar 2014.

Focus your balance on one leg and slowly bend your torso. Tuck your chin inwards and simultaneously, raise your back leg and front two arms to create a horizontal plank. Breathe deeply and let the oxygen radiate through your body.