Whether you are an experienced yogi or new to the practice, yoga is a powerful tool that can help you heal as you begin your journey with sobriety. It offers you a sense of community as well as a mind-body connection that can truly help you overcome triggers and beat the relapse cycle.
If you are feeling anxious, be easy on yourself and try taking a couple of minutes each day to dive into one of these calming yoga poses that can offer you relief.
Child’s Pose (Balasana)
Child’s pose is just as gentle as it is grounding. It is a pose that stretches your hips, thighs, and ankles while calming your mind. Kneel on the floor with your toes together and your knees slightly apart. Lower your torso onto your thighs and stretch your arms out in front of you. Rest your forehead on the ground and focus on your breathing, feeling the stretch in your hips and thighs. Try putting on a timer and sitting in this position for up to three minutes to go really deep.
Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)
Warrior II is a powerful pose that strengthens your legs and core while energizing your body. Stand with your feet hip-distance apart, then step your left foot back and turn your toes out to the side. Bend your right knee and lift your arms up to shoulder height with your palms facing down. Look out over your right fingertips and breathe deeply, feeling strong and grounded.
Tree Pose (Vrksasana)
Tree pose is a beautiful balance pose that promotes focus, stability, and inner calm. Stand with your feet hip-distance apart, then shift your weight onto your left foot. Bring your right foot up and rest it on your left thigh, either above or below the knee. Bring your hands together at your heart, then lift them up overhead. Breathe deeply and feel the strength and stability in your body. Ground yourself in this pose for as long as you can by focusing on a point in the room or even a tree outside to keep your balance.
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)
Bridge pose is a gentle backbend that opens your chest, hips, and thighs while calming your mind. This is going to feel so good and help you relax. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet hip-distance apart. Lift your hips up toward the ceiling, keeping your feet and shoulders on the ground. Clasp your hands together under your back and gently press your chest toward your chin. Breathe deeply and feel the stretch in your back and legs.
Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Corpse pose is a deeply relaxing pose that soothes the nervous system and promotes deep rest. Lie down on your back with your arms at your sides and your legs straight. Close your eyes and breathe deeply, allowing your body to relax completely. Focus on your breath and let go of any tension or stress in your body and mind. It’s kind of like laying down meditation, so relax into it, and become an observer rather than a reactor of your thoughts.
Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)
Cat-Cow Pose is a gentle flow that stretches your spine while calming your mind. Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your chest and tailbone toward the ceiling. Exhale and round your spine, bringing your chin toward your chest. Move back and forth between these two poses, focusing on your breath.
Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana)
Standing Forward Bend is a calming pose that stretches your hamstrings and lower back while promoting relaxation. Stand with your feet hip-distance apart and fold forward from your hips. Let your head hang down and allow your arms to dangle. Breathe deeply and feel the stretch in your back and legs.
Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)
Seated forward bend is a gentle pose that stretches your back, hamstrings, and hips while promoting calm and relaxation. Sit with your legs stretched out in front of you and your feet flexed. Inhale and lift your arms up overhead, then exhale and fold forward from your hips. Reach for your toes or ankles and breathe deeply, feeling the stretch in your back and legs.
Reclining Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)
Reclining twist is a calming pose that stretches your spine and promotes relaxation and renewal. Lie on your back with your arms at your sides and your legs straight. Bend your right knee and cross it over your left leg, placing your right foot on the ground. Stretch your left arm out to the side and bring your right knee across your body, twisting your spine. Breathe deeply and feel the stretch in your back and hips.
Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani)
Legs up the wall is a deeply restorative pose that promotes relaxation and healing. Lie on your back with your hips close to a wall. Swing your legs up the wall and let them rest against it. Place your arms at your sides and breathe deeply, feeling the tension and stress leaving your body.
Contact Enico Detox Center is LA for Yoga Practices with an Addiction Recovery Focus
Yoga is a powerful tool for managing anxiety and promoting overall well-being. We hope that you love these ten yoga poses and use them to help you find your calm and stay centered.
Remember to breathe deeply, focus on your body, and allow yourself to relax and let go of stress and tension. Accept yourself where you are in your journey, and thank yourself for giving your mind and body attention today. With regular practice, you’ll find that yoga will leave you feeling renewed, strong, and peaceful.
Are you ready to get started? If you are looking for a yoga community going through addiction recovery just like you, contact Encino Detox Center and find the support you need on your journey to recovery.
