1. Child’s Pose

This pose is one of the most effective yoga poses for stress relief. It forces you to take a break and spend a minute or two stretching your body and focusing on your breathing. To do the pose, kneel on the floor with your knees at hip width. Lean back and rest your glutes on your heels. Bring your upper body to the floor, resting your forehead on your mat and extending your arms straight out. Hold the pose for a couple of minutes. This pose is also great if you suffer from low back pain.

2. Downward Facing Dog

Perhaps one of the most well-known yoga poses, downward facing dog is beneficial for your entire body. It stretches and strengthens your back, legs, and arms. According to the Yoga Alliance, maintaining proper alignment is key to avoiding injury. To do the move, start on your hands and knees, with your knees at about hip width and your hands under your shoulders. Slowly raise your body upward by straightening your arms and legs. Relax your head and neck, and breathe regularly as you hold the pose.

3. Corpse Pose

It sounds spooky, but this is one of my favorite yoga poses. After all, how often do I get to lie still in one place and say I’m getting in some exercise? This pose is great for stress relief and is often done to end a yoga session. Lie flat on your mat with your arms resting at your sides. Stay perfectly still for several minutes while focusing on your breathing.

4. Boat Pose

Not only is this pose really easy, but it’s fantastic if you want to tone your abs. It might not seem like much work, but I guarantee that if you hold the boat pose long enough, you’ll feel it all over your core. Sit on your mat and straighten your legs. Lift them to a 45-degree angle and reach toward your feet with your hands. Keep your back straight and hold the pose for a minute or two. For more core work, you might enjoy these quick ab workouts you can do anywhere.

5. Legs up the Wall Pose

Legs up the wall pose is another amazing option! Lie down with your hips resting against the wall and your legs extended up toward the ceiling. Stretch your arms out to your sides at about shoulder height. That’s it, just lie there for a minute while you breathe. This pose is ideal for stressful days, and it works your legs too. As you hold them in the air, you activate the muscles, even if they are resting slightly on the wall.

6. Plank Pose

Plank pose is highly effective because it challenges your entire upper body as well as your core. It’s not hard to do either, making it perfect for beginners. The Mayo Clinic highlights that strong core muscles make it easier to do many physical activities. Simply rest on your toes and the palms of your hands as if you were doing a pushup, keeping your elbows straight. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to one minute.

7. Tree Pose

Tree pose is great for relaxation, but it also works your legs, back, and core. Stand with your feet about hip width apart. Lift one foot and rest it on the inside of the opposite knee or thigh. Press your palms together and hold them at about chest level. Hold this pose for a minute or two, then switch legs to keep things even.

Do you like yoga? I prefer practicing at home instead of heading to a studio. To help you plan your week, here is a quick overview of how you might schedule these poses:

What’s your favorite pose? Share your thoughts and let me know if you are going to add any of these to your routine today.