Yoga expert reveals three poses that will reduce built-up stress in seconds

The holidays can be a stressful time for people, specifically if they are hosting in their own homes, because of the the expectation of delicious feasts and quality family time. 

In anticipation of Thanksgiving, celebrity yoga instructor Claire Grieve has detailed to The Chalkboard Mag her top three poses people can do to help relieve stress before preparing a big feast.   

‘There are several poses that can actually help you relieve stress within minutes,’ Grieve told the publication. 

Deep breaths: The first pose, Legs Up The Wall (pictured), helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, she explained (stock image)

Yoga, a mind-body practice, works to relieve stress by having the participant focus on their breathing and calming their mind. 

Grieve felt yoga, specifically the three poses she recommends, could help quickly reduce any built-up stress one might experience over the holidays so they can then focus on their necessary tasks. 

Quick fixes ‘There are several poses that can actually help you relieve stress within minutes,’ Grieve said 

Her first pose recommendation is the Legs Up The Wall, or Viparita Karani, pose. 

‘This pose activates your parasympathetic nervous system almost immediately,’ she detailed.  

‘When I do this pose at the end of a long day, it literally feels as though the stress is melting off of my body.’ 

People can accomplish the pose by first lying down on the floor and scooting their butt up against a wall. The legs should then go directly up the wall so they are perpendicular with the surface. 

For arms, it is recommended for them to remain against the body with the palms facing up towards the ceiling.  

Grieve advises for people to close their eyes, breathe, and sit in the pose for the next five to 10 minutes to help with relieving any stress. 

Her second pose recommendation is the Melting Heart pose, which stretches out the shoulders and is specifically helps people who sit in chairs for a majority of their day. 

‘Melting Heart pose is an absolutely luscious pose for releasing tension and emotional stress in your upper chest and shoulder,’ Grieve said. 

Stretching out: Her second pose recommendation is the Melting Heart pose (pictured), which helps stretch out the upper back (stock image)

Important: Then the final pose Grieve recommends to relieve stress during the holidays is the Pigeon Pose (pictured). This pose reduces tension in the hips (stock image)

People can get into the position by first getting on all fours. It is then recommended to stretch the arms out towards the front of the mat or surface and curve the spine down, keeping the butt pressed up towards the ceiling. 

Breathing through the pose can help relieve any tension that has built up in the shoulders during the day. 

Then the final pose Grieve recommends to relieve stress during the holidays is the Pigeon pose. This pose is also on the ground and works to reduce tension in the hips. 

‘Doing a Pigeon stretch at the end of every day can help you relieve emotional tension before it builds up and causes bigger problems,’ she said. 

People can get into Pigeon by sitting on the ground and stretching one leg directly behind themselves. The front leg should then bend at the knee toward the opposite hip. 

The pose will then work to stretch through the hips as the person breathes. One can even increase the stretch by placing their forearms on the ground. 

‘For deeper restoration, stay in each pose a little longer and set the mood with relaxing music, dim lights and calming essential oils,’ she recommends.