Yoga & meditationStress reliefFitness & exercise

7 best yoga poses for stress relief

Relax and breathe easier with these calming yoga postures.


LearnYoga7 best yoga poses for stress relief
Easy pose
Standing forward bend
Triangle pose
Supported Reclined Cobbler’s Pose
Supported bridge pose
Legs up the wall pose
Final relaxation pose

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Are your stress levels through the roof? Consider yoga. This ancient practice, which combines gentle stretches with slow, intentional breathing, is perfect for easing stress. “The physical reaction [to stress] is increased heart rate and faster breathing,” says NASM elite trainer and certified yoga instructor Anne Spicker. “The act of breathing slowly and deeply with intention has the effect of counteracting this fight or flight response.” Here are seven simple stress-busting postures. All you’ll need is a mat, block and bolster or rolled-up blanket.

Want to see just how much practicing yoga can reduce your stress? Analyze the stress in your voice using Sharecare, available for iOS and Android.

Written by Michael Gollust.
Medically reviewed by Joanne Perron, MD, MPH.August, 2025
Updated onAugust, 2026
Written by Michael Gollust.
Medically reviewed by Joanne Perron, MD, MPH.August, 2025
Updated onAugust, 2026
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