An Easy 2-Step Yoga Pose to StressLessness

Legs up the wall is an easy 2-step yoga pose to ease stress and is taken from the Mentality magazine, Issue 122. I'm sure you've seen little kids do this, instinctively, which should tell you something about them. Now, it's time for you adults to relearn how to relax, easily.



Leg up the wall pose

This pose quiets the nervous system and mind while relieving fatigue, itself a major stressor. In the illustrations, you have two options for the leg pose, one with knees slightly bent and the other with legs straightened against the wall. Follow your comfort zone.

1- Roll three blankets or a bolster against the wall. Sit facing the wall with your knees bent and then lie down on your back. (Some can do this without any back/hip support but that has another function.)

2- Now, lift your legs and hips and slide forward so that your hips are on top of the blankets or bolster, and the backs of your legs are either i) slightly bent or straightened against the wall and ii) are pointing towards the ceiling.

Stay in this position for 5 to 10 minutes, then roll your knees to the side and sit up, then take your time standing up and have a big glass of water to flush the toxins.

In this position, your shoulders will be lower than your hips. This opens up your chest area. Do not tense up your muscles. Relax into the position.

This inversion of your head lower than your feet causes a rush of fresh blood to your brain, neck and chest and quiets your nervous system. The increased blood flow tricks your brain into thinking that your blood pressure is high and it lowers it in response.

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Repeat as needed.