Five basic yoga poses to aid your addiction recovery

By Your Health Magazine

Your Health Magazine

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Five basic yoga poses to aid your addiction recovery

Yoga is a practice that many professionals recommend for a variety of conditions and illnesses. Across addiction treatment, it’s become one of the most common activities to take up in order to manage stress, anxieties and concerns that could trigger relapse.

For many people going through alcohol and drug rehab, it will be the first time they’ve ever encountered yoga. Which can be a little daunting, particularly with the fit, athletic and flexible people we often associate yoga with. However, anyone can do yoga, and if you’re in addiction recovery there are several positions which are perfect for it. So, if you’re a beginner, here are our top five positions to get started with…

Child’s Pose

Child’s Pose is a restful and grounding yoga posture that promotes relaxation and relieves tension in the body. To practice child’s pose, start by kneeling on the yoga mat with your big toes touching and knees apart. Sit back on your heels and slowly lower your torso forward, resting your forehead on the mat. Extend your arms forward or alongside your body with palms facing up.

Take deep breaths into your belly, allowing the body to soften and release any tightness. Child’s pose helps calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and encourages introspection.

Downward-Facing Dog

One of the most well-known yoga positions, the downward-facing dog is a rejuvenating position that involves stretching the spine, shoulders, hamstrings and calves.

Start on your hands and knees, then lift your hips towards the ceiling, forming an inverted V shape. Keep your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet around the width of your hips. Then press firmly into your palms and heels. This position increases blood flow, boosts energy levels, and helps alleviate stress, all of which can be incredibly important for recovery.

Warrior II

Warrior II is a powerful standing pose that builds strength, stability, and focus. Begin by standing with your feet wide apart. Turn your right foot out 90 degrees and bend your right knee directly over your ankle.

You then need to extend your arms parallel to the floor, with your left arm reaching behind you and right arm reaching forward. Gaze over your right fingertips. Hold the pose for several breaths, then switch sides. Warrior II strengthens the legs and core muscles, instills confidence, and cultivates resilience.

Tree Pose

This pose is a balancing posture that can improve concentration and stability. It’s calming for the mind and involves standing tall, with your feet hip-width apart. You are then required to shift your weight onto your left foot. Then, place your right food on your inner left thigh or calf. You then bring your hands to your heart in the prayer position and hold for a few breaths before switching sides.

Corpse Pose

This is a relaxing and restorative pose that promotes physical and mental relaxation. To practice corpse pose, you need to lie on your back with your legs extended and arms by your side. Your palms should be facing up and it’s a case of closing your eyes and allowing your entire body to relax.

You should stay in this position for several minutes, practising deep, mindful breathing.