Postures to induce a state of relaxation

Certain movements of the body combined with breath, work more effectively to change your internal state of agitation and frustration. They help to not only release pent-up energy but also to move into postures which induce a state of relaxation and a calm state of mind. As you practice these techniques, remember it is your willingness to let go of your anger which will give you the best results.

Caution: Those with back problems or severe arthritis of the knee joints should not do exercises two and three. Those with heart problems, high blood pressure and pregnant women should avoid these exercises and exercise one. Those with hernia, hyper-thyroidism should be very careful or avoid exercise three.

Exercise 1

•  Stand straight with your feet spread apart
•  Bend the knees; place the palms on the thighs, the fingers facing in as shown
•  Exhale deeply through the mouth, hold your breath and move your abdominal muscles in and out rapidly as many times (10-50) as possible
•  Repeat three times.

Exercise 2

Step 1
•  Sit back on your heels, the knees together, the toes overlapping, the back straight and the palms on the knees

Step 2
•  Inhale, slowly raise both arms straight above your head.

Step 3
•  Exhale and slowly bend forward, your arms straight and in line with the ears. Rest the forehead on the floor and bring the palms together
Step 4
•  Inhale, slowly raise the upper body and both the arms straight above your head
•  Repeat steps three and four five times, paying attention to your breathing
•  Inhale, slowly raise the arms and the upper body, exhale and lower the arms to start position.

Exercise 3

Step 1
•  Sit with one knee bent on the ground; place the other leg across it

Step 2
•  With the opposite arm, lock the knee from the outside and grasp the foot

Step 3
•  Fold the other arm behind the back, slowly inhale and twist the spine and look back

Step 4
•  Slowly exhale, relax the arms and straighten the upper body
•  Repeat steps three and four five times paying attention to your breathing
•  Repeat with the other side.