5 Calming Yoga Poses for Stress Relief
Yoga is more than just a physical exercise. It is a lifestyle that also improves one’s emotional and mental wellness. In the pro cheerleading community, yoga is something that some members need but undervalue.
Some pro cheerleaders prefer to destress themselves through working out and outdoor recreations. But yoga is just as effective and affordable form of stress relief. The best thing about yoga? You don’t need to go to the gym or buy expensive equipment and apparel to get started.
All you have to do is find a quiet spot in your home, spread your yoga mat, and prepare a few props beside the mat. Find out more about how yoga can benefit your life and the poses you should try by reading on.
How Does Yoga Reduce Stress?
Yoga requires you to do various poses, breathing patterns, and mental concentration. These activities are essential to help you find inner balance and calmness in times of stress. You also don’t need to be stressed to do yoga as it has plenty of benefits for your everyday life.
According to an NCBI study: “Yoga inhibits the posterior or sympathetic area of hypothalamus and restores autonomic regulatory reflex mechanisms associated with stress, leading to decreased production of ACTH from the anterior pituitary gland.”
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) controls the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. With stable production levels of ACTH, you’re less likely to feel stressed under pressure. As a result of regular yoga sessions, you’ll improve your emotional and mental health.
5 Restorative Yoga Poses for Pro Cheerleaders
Restorative yoga poses may involve the use of props to help you move into the positions and hold them. A restorative yoga session is done in a sequence of 5 to 6 poses. Here are some examples.
1. Child's Pose (Bālāsana)
This pose is the most common yet very relaxing. It increases your blood circulation while calming your mind and easing the pain in your lower back area.
2. Supported Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)
The Setu Bandha Sarvangasana requires you to use a yoga block or bolster to hold the bridge position. This pose is good for relieving headaches and tensions in your core and lady parts.
3. Fish Pose (Matsyasana)
The fish pose is great for pro cheerleaders with jobs that involve a lot of sitting during the day. It releases tension in your upper body through stretching. It’s also good for improving posture.
4. Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Savasana is the simplest pose to execute. You only need to lie down and relax. Yet, the benefits of it are plenty. This pose improves your immune and digestive system’s function while lowering blood pressure.
5. Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana)
You don’t need any props aside from a yoga mat to do the happy baby pose. Just remember to keep your balance to avoid falling over. This pose increases your energy, making you less prone to feeling tired and easily fatigued after activities.
Get started by scheduling your yoga session early in the morning. This is the best time for posing, concentration, and breathing because there isn't any noise and air pollution yet. You can also find a secluded place in nature with a flat surface to do your routine. Tip: Jog to the location and you’ll hit two birds with one stone.
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