PCOS & Stress: 7 Restorative Yoga Poses To Reduce Cortisol Levels In The Body Naturally

 

Stress is one of the factors behind weight gain in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). To lose weight effectively, you need to reduce cortisol levels in your body naturally. Yoga could help you combat stress and promote weight loss. Here are seven yoga poses to relieve stress when you have PCOS.

Child’s pose (Balansana)

Child’s pose or Balasana can foster a deep sense of relaxation and decrease cortisol levels (stress hormones) in the body naturally. You can do a Supported Child’s pose for relaxing even better. It is done by placing a pillow or bolster vertically up and down on your mat and resting your body on it

while doing the pose. 

 Warrior II pose (Virabhadrasana II)

Warrior II is one of the impactful standing poses that strengthens your legs, coordinating and balancing abilities. The expansive form of this pose has been linked with reduction in cortisol levels in the body naturally. 

Supported Butterfly pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)

Supported Butterfly is a variation to the Butterfly pose in which a yoga block is placed on a bolster which rests between your legs. You can do the regular Butterfly pose by resting your head on the block. It helps you submit physically and relieves tension from your muscles.  

 Legs Up The Wall pose (Viparita Karani)

This relaxing pose re-energises your physical body as well as mental state of mind which gets affected by excessive cortisol. One can place a bolster or a pillow under their hip for better support. It is done by resting your legs straight against a wall in such a way that your body makes a 90 degree angle.  

 Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Downward Facing Dog calms your mind by releasing tension and stress. It also gives a deep stretch to your body and legs. It is done by coming on all fours, raising your buttocks slowly towards the ceiling until your body forms a clean V-shape. Keeping breathing steady cold helps reap the benefits of this pose. 

 Bridge pose (Setu Bandhasana)

Bridge pose is excellent for relieving tension and stress from your lower back. It opens up your chest, decompresses your spine and gives a good stretch to your hip flexors. It is done by lying on your back with legs folded at your knees and feet flat on the floor. Continue by inhaling and raising your thighs, pelvis and gradually the whole back. Your chest and chin could touch. Hold for a few seconds, exhale and lower your body slowly. 

Corpse pose (Shavasana)

You can end your yoga session with Shavasan or Corpse pose to shift your brain into the alpha state of wakeful relaxation. You’re not supposed to doze off during this asana but. Lie on your back on the mat and feel your body melting into the floor. It will help you relax and decrease stress levels in the body. 

 

-idiva