Is Stress Quietly Affecting Your Heart? Grand Master Akshar Shares 5 Yoga Practices You Must Try

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Stress affects how a person functions in everyday life, including breathing, sleep, energy and emotional balance. A healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, healthy eating, enough sleep and relaxation is essential for a healthy heart. Yoga is a helpful addition to this lifestyle, offering gentle movement, easy breathing and concentration.

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A consistent yoga practice encourages people to build a healthier relationship with their body and mind. Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, author, columnist and founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, shares five asanas that add variety and support relaxation, mobility, balance and physical vitality.

1. Ardha Matsyendrasana

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Introduction

Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose) is a seated twist that brings awareness to the spine, the breath and overall body alignment.

Formation

"The practitioner sits with the legs stretched out straight. The right foot is placed outside the left thigh, and the left leg is comfortably folded. The left arm is wrapped around the right knee, and the right hand supports the body from behind. This activates the spine, and the practitioner slowly twists to the right. After a few relaxed breaths, the posture is repeated on the other side," said Akshar.

Benefits

This posture helps to mobilise the spine, builds body awareness and promotes easy breathing. It also helps to develop concentration and provides a mindful transition between movement and relaxation.

2. Prasarita Padottanasana

Introduction

Wide-Legged Forward Bend (Prasarita Padottanasana) encourages grounding, flexibility and focused awareness. It is a refreshing standing posture for a balanced practice.

Formation

"The practitioner stands with the feet comfortably wide apart. The spine is extended, and the body slowly folds forward from the hips. The hands can rest on the ground or on blocks for support. The head and neck stay relaxed, and the breathing remains easy," added Akshar.

Benefits

The posture stretches the legs, supports circulation and improves flexibility in the hips and back. It is also known for creating a sense of stability and tranquillity through its steady form.

3. Gomukhasana

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Introduction

Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose) is a stable seated posture that stretches the shoulders and hips.

Formation

The practitioner sits with one knee stacked on top of the other and both feet on the ground beside the hips. One arm reaches over the head and the other reaches up from below, and the hands meet comfortably behind the back. The posture is then repeated on the other side.

Benefits

It improves flexibility in the shoulder and hip joints, supports better posture and cultivates concentration.

4. Supta Baddha Konasana

Introduction

Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) is a relaxing posture that allows for easy breathing.

Formation

"The practitioner lies down on the back, brings the soles of the feet together and lets the knees open comfortably. The arms rest close to the body with the palms facing up. The posture can be held for a few slow breaths,"instructed Akshar.

Benefits

It softens the hips and chest, encourages relaxation and supports mindful breathing.

5. Balasana

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Introduction

Balasana (Child's Pose) is a restful closing pose for a soothing yoga practice.

Formation

From a kneeling position, the practitioner slowly bends forward, letting the forehead come towards the ground. The arms can rest in front or by the sides.

Benefits

The posture encourages relaxation, gentle stretching and inward awareness.

Bottomline

Akshar concluded, "A calmer lifestyle emerges as regular choices are made. Yoga offers a safe way of bringing movement, breathing and awareness into a daily routine. Combined with healthy eating, enough rest, walking and routine health check-ups, it can support a healthy approach to heart care. With a little patience and consistency, each session can be an opportunity to foster more calm, vitality and wellbeing."

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.