3 Yoga Moves To Help You De-Stress

Bad Yogi Retreats' Andrew Hampson shares hacks to find your zen.

Looking for a way to keep those stress levels down that doesn't involve an hour-long meditation? Yoga might be your answer.

We checked in with Andrew Hampson – yogi, yoga teacher and one half of Bad Yogi Retreats Hampson has taught Charlize Theron, Toby Maguire, Megan Gale and Lara Bingle and, these days, you’ll find him at Sydney’s Body Mind Life or On Demand at Bad Yogi Retreats.

"We all know now more than ever how stressful life can be," Hampson says. "Bills, commitments and work and family pressures are relentless and time consuming. Added to the above is the fact that as we get older, the body's resilience lessens, imbalances become even more pronounced and physical misalignment can veer towards chronic pain and disease.

"When we practise yoga, we put our bodies right. We nudge our hips towards better alignment, we stretch and release areas that hold tension such as shoulders and glutes, we nurture your physical scaffolding (your spine) through its full range of movement: forward fold, backwards bend and lateral turns.

"Basically, in a typical yoga class your body receives a full major service. All major muscle groups, every minor muscle group, all ligaments, tendons and organs get stretched, realigned, strengthened & reset. I always say ‘health is your wealth’ and, when you’re over 50, you’ll recognise that to be very, very true. Yoga is the fountain of youth."

Shop the look

So what are Hampson's top three go-to's to destress?

CAT-COW

"This is a gem. It’s the perfect yoga posture. Totally low impact, easy to do and perfect for 99% of people regardless of age, body time, weight or athleticism. It massages the spine and shoulders and irons out the kinks in both areas."

DOWN DOG

"Down dog is my next choice. It is an ideal full body stretch … Again, available to the vast majority of people and it releases your body in its entirety from your fingers to your toes. Your chest, shoulders, back and legs will love this pose.

SUPINE SPINAL TWIST

"These three postures combines are like a winning lottery ticket," Hampson tell us. "They work beautifully together and take your spine through its full range of movements. OnE of my favourite yoga sayings is that when you have a 'healthy spine and a quiet mind' you have the most powerful healing tool! These three poses should be the foundation of any yoga practise and they are a wonderful base for exploring meditation.."

And, just for you: Bad Yogi Retreats's De-Stress Yoga Flow. Namaste.