Certain yoga poses are particularly effective at activating the parasympathetic nervous system — the body's rest, digest, and recovery mode. Restorative and yin yoga postures held for extended periods signal safety to the nervous system and prompt a measurable physiological relaxation response.

This article introduces five stress-relieving poses — Child's Pose, Legs Up the Wall, Reclined Bound Angle, Supine Twist, and Savasana — with detailed instructions and the science behind their calming effects.