Hump Day Stress Buster Yoga Pose - Reclining Bound Angle Pose

Hump Day, Stress Buster, Yoga Pose... is a new series I'm starting on the blog. It's a call to calm the mind and harness peace at the apex of the weekday madness. 

Every Wednesday, I'll feature, and discuss a restorative yoga pose. These are all poses that can be done safely and simply from the comfort of your home. 

Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions.                                   

Today's Featured Pose: Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Buddha Konasana)

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Why You Need to Do It:

Reclining bound angle pose is deeply grounding. This pose opens tight hips, a place where we tend to store a lot of emotions and tension. This pose is also heart opening and relaxes the shoulders. Reclining bound angle pose eases stress and anxiety as well and is an excellent before bedtime pose. 

How to get in to it:

Bring the soles of your feet together as your knees release towards the floor or mat. Your legs will make a diamond shape. If you have a bolster, (or you can use a pillow as well) place it behind you so the base of the bolster is brushing against your sacrum. You may want to place blocks beneath your knees, or books if you don’t have blocks.

How Long to Hold? :

Recline for 5-10 minutes for maximum benefits. Close your eyes, quiet your mind and take deep soothing breaths. 

Are you a visual learner? Check out the video above! Happy reclining :)

5 Restorative Yoga Poses for Relaxation!

When I first began my yoga journey, I fell in love with the rhythm and athleticism of Ashtanga yoga. I loved the challenge, I loved the sweat, I loved the repetition of sequencing. 

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Today, I'm not an Ashtanga enthusiast. 

Something opened inside me when I found Vinyasa yoga. The fluidity, the breath centered dance. I reveled in the smooth movement, I learned to love the unpredictable sequencing of each class. In the moment. I was totally in the moment. 

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Today, I still adore Vinyasa yoga, but.....

Restorative yoga has my heart! Restorative yoga more than any other type has provided me with both an anchor and wings. It has allowed me the precious time to journey deep inside (never underestimate the power of meditation...especially if you're a mom of toddlers and are doing for others every second of every day not blocked out for yoga), the courage to tell my thoughts to be still and the strength to surrender. 

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So....where does the title, 5 Restorative Yoga Poses for Relaxation fit into this billowy wave of yogic nostalgia?

I'm getting there...

A few weeks ago, I wrote a piece for the website Sivana Spirit- 5 Restorative Yoga Poses for Relaxation.

Honestly, I can think of no better form of yoga to turn to in times of stress, anxiety, depression or panic. 

You can check out the piece I wrote here.

In it, I carefully outlined my favorite, go-to..."I've had a bad day and I need a remedy asap (that doesn't involve wine... yet)" poses. 

I hope these 5 Restorative Yoga Poses for Relaxation bring you as much peace and grounding as they've brought me!

Blessings!