It’s perfectly natural to be feeling anxious or overwhelmed at this moment. We are, after all, facing times like never before. And with uncertainty comes the inevitable possibility of stress, anxiety and fatigue. But there’s a solution to this. And it has journeyed all the way from ancient India - some 5,000 years ago. Yoga is the secret to inner serenity, peace and harmony! It is the practice of the soul, through the medium of the body. And it leads to the ultimate union of individual as well as universal consciousness.

If you feel like your thoughts are beginning to scatter in negative directions, given the COVID-19 situation, gently bring your mind back to the present with these soothing Yoga asanas we’ve listed.

Tree Pose – Vrikshasana

The Tree Pose is a classic, balancing asana that will help you focus your energy inwards and silence all racing thoughts. Ideal for an early morning family yoga session, this one works a variety of muscles including the abdominals and quadriceps.

Follow these simple steps to master the pose:

1. While standing, bear your weight on your right foot and slowly lift your left foot off the ground
2. Turn the sole of your left foot towards the inside of your left leg and place it on the outside of your left ankle, calf or thigh
3. Bring your hands into a prayer position in front of your heart or let it hang by your sides
4. Hold this pose for 2 minutes
5. Repeat on the opposite side

Let this tranquil pose perform its healing magic on your body and mind, it promises quick relief.

Triangle Pose – Trikonasana

The Triangle Pose is an energising standing asana that is wonderful at easing tension in your neck and back - two common symptoms of stress. This popular position helps stimulate the hamstrings, quadriceps and glutes, making it one of our recommended health tips.

Follow these simple steps to master the pose:

1. Stand with your feet apart (wider than your hips)
2. Place your left toes forward and your right toes at an angle.
3. Lift your arms to extend out from your shoulders, with palms facing down
4. Extend your torso forward as you reach ahead with your left hand and drop it to your leg
5. Extend your right arm toward the ceiling
6. Gaze in any direction
7. Hold this pose for 1 minute
8. Repeat on the opposite side

9. Create a triangle of trust by striking this pose with your entire family, we’d love to know how you feel.

   Fish Pose – Matsyasana

On our list of mental health tips is this fun, back bending asana that releases tightness in the chest and back. The Fish Pose will help you and your family exercise those hip flexors and abdominals for a healthier, happier day ahead.

Follow these simple steps to master the pose:

1. Sit down with your legs stretched out in front
2. Place your hands underneath your bottom, with palms facing down
3. Squeeze your elbows together and expand your chest
4. Lean back onto your forearms and elbows, pressing down into your arms and lifting your chest
5. If comfortable, let your head hang back toward the floor (rest it on a cushion)
6. Hold this pose for one minute.

For the little guppies and big guppies at home, do try this one out for the best results.

Child’s Pose – Balasana

Child’s Pose is a relaxing forward bending asana that helps cure anxiety and fatigue by working on key areas of the body like the spine, hamstrings and glutes. Don’t be fooled by its name because this peaceful asana was made for all members of the family.

Follow these simple steps to master the pose:

1. From a kneeling position, sink back onto your heels
2. Fold forwards, walking your hands out in front
3. Allow your torso to fall heavily onto your thighs, while resting your forehead on the floor
4. Keep your arms extended forward
5. Hold this pose for 5 minutes

Calm is a super power, and this posture helps you get there!

Just breathe and feel your stress slowly melt away. These yoga asanas are the ultimate life hack, and they can prove to be extremely beneficial during these stressful covid times.

Times are difficult but people are helping each other out and many instances of goodness are being found. Soulful Stories is our endeavour in bringing out such stories of goodness and gratitude in the open. So if you have a story of someone who has helped you or your family through these tough times or an experience that filled you with gratitude, share it with us and spread that positivity around. Select stories will get featured on the Club Mahindra community and our social media pages.