STRESS RELIEVE - How 5 min. stretch can help your skin
Posted on September 04 2025
We’ve all seen those people who emerge from yoga sessions with a radiant "yoga glow" that makes you wonder, "What just happened in there?" Our skin, being our body’s largest living organ, thrives on being dynamic, elastic, and nourished. That flushed, rosy face we associate with the yoga glow comes from the extra blood flow circulated through the skin during stretching. This increased circulation also boosts the delivery of oxygen, hydration, and nutrients to the skin, building its strength and, with regular practice, potentially even slowing down signs of aging.
Another significant benefit of stretching is its remarkable ability to relieve stress. When we're stressed, our cortisol hormones spike, which can trigger a visible response in our skin. You might have noticed it: looming deadlines, a night of poor sleep, or a big event you’ve been preparing for, and suddenly, a zit pops up or your skin feels dry and inflamed. It's truly frustrating!
By getting our body in motion, we de-stress, empowering our skin to flush out toxins and allow beneficial nutrients to flow through.
Below are a few simple poses to help you bring on that glow:
Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana)
A full-body stretch, this pose directs blood flow to your face, neck, and head, relaxing your facial muscles and calming the mind. Begin with your feet hip-width apart. As you exhale, hinge at your hips and fold forward. Bend your knees enough to place your palms flat on the ground and gently press your head towards your knees. Feel your spine extending and hamstrings stretching as you gradually work to straighten your legs while keeping your hands flat. Breathe and hold for 4-8 breaths.
Cat-Cow Pose
Start on your hands and knees, maintaining a neutral spine. As you inhale, arch your back, letting your stomach sink towards the floor as you look up. As you exhale, round your back and tuck your chin towards your chest. Take your time to feel the stretch in your back, neck, and shoulders, and repeat this sequence for 8 breaths.
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
A fantastic reliever of stress and tension in your shoulders, the cobra pose also helps to stretch out your back and expand the chest, promoting greater oxygen flow. Lie on your stomach with your legs hip-width apart and your palms flat on the ground directly under your shoulders. On the inhale, press into your palms and gently lift your head, chest, and shoulders off the ground. Keep your elbows close to your sides and engage your core as you hold the pose for 4-8 breaths.
Child’s Pose (Balasana)
This pose is especially restorative during times of overwhelm and can be incredibly soothing for your nervous system. Begin on all fours in a tabletop position, with your wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips. As you exhale, sit back on your heels and bow forward, allowing your forehead to rest on the ground. Let your arms relax by the sides of your hips with your palms facing upwards. Breathe deeply and allow the tension to melt away from your whole body as you hold the pose for 2 minutes.
Let me know how you get on and I look forward to seeing those glow-y faces!
With love,
Milene