Kundalini Stress-Relief Tools Everyone Should Know

Energy work has recently come into its own as a full-fledged self-care tool. Many of these energy healing tools come at the hands of others; whether it's through reiki, acupuncture, or even massage, these healings often involve another person. Kundalini yoga was the "first yoga ever created" that helps you move your own energy, per Yoga Journal, and this ancient practice "activates specific parts of your brain" that help you control your reactions to the world around you.

According to the outlet, Kundalini yoga allows you to move your own energy within your body and auric field — helping transform your life and strengthen your nervous system. Since your nervous system is critical to your mental health, these practices can make big shifts in your experience. 

A simple place to start your Kundalini stress-relief practice is to do Gyan mudra. Simply take your index finger to your thumb and apply a gentle pressure. This mudra helps harness the power of "receptivity" and brings on a feeling of "calmness" (via Yoga Journal). Breathe deeply as you activate these pressure points. If you're looking for a boost of clarity and confident communication, press your thumb to your Mercury finger — a.k.a. your pinky — nail for a minute. Activating different parts of the brain and your energy field, this mudra will help you rule the boardroom.

Kundalini meditation is slightly different from the meditation you may be used to, because it combines movement with breath. For a simple, effective Kundalini meditation exercise, sit with your legs crossed and hands in prayer with your fingers pointed towards the ceiling. Close your eyes and inhale through your nose in four parts, stopping for a moment after each fourth of an inhale. Hold the breath at the top for a few seconds, then exhale out your nose in the same manner. Hold at the bottom of the breath once again, then start from the top. According to Yoga Journal, you can continue this cycle for 3 to 5 minutes for the best results.

You can also try out left nostril breathing, if you're ever feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Per 3HO, sit in a cross-legged position and bring your right thumb to your right nostril with the rest of your fingers pointed upward. Breathe deeply and fully through your left nostril for a few minutes with your eyes closed, as you activate the calming, empathic side of the brain.

Adding in simple self-care tools like these breathwork practices and mudras can quickly activate different parts of your psyche to help you move through stress with ease.