Stress happens. Increasing your ability to manage stress is critical to maximize energy levels and stay at the peak of your game. How can you up your stress resistance quotient in the midst of your time-crunched, deadline-oriented days? Welcome to yoga - a path to well-being that's been practiced for thousands of years in India and has now become a hugely popular the world over.

Yoga literally translates to union. In the union of body, mind, senses, emotions and spirit lies the true ability to manage stress. When your mind, body, heart and senses all work in a harmonious, coordinated fashion, your stress tolerance quotient rises dramatically.

Yoga techniques, including breathing, stretching and specific poses help achieve heightened stress management ability by allowing the body and mind to relax deeply and expand. All it takes, once you've learned the techniques, is a quiet room and a mat.

Consult your physician before you practice any yoga postures. Also, we recommend that you learn correct form by having an experienced teacher guide you.

Shavasana and Viparita karani are two well-known yoga postures that aid relaxation.

Shavasana (also spelled savasana), the corpse pose, is the most revered pose for relaxation. It is the pose that is traditionally done at the start and end of a yoga exercise session, but can be done at any time to restore a deep sense of calm and peace. A meditative pose when done correctly, shavasana rejuvenates the mind and body.

How to perform shavasana

Lie down flat on your back, legs extended and arms straight by your sides. Your body should be in as straight a line as possible; do not place a pillow or blanket under your head. Spread your legs so that they are about a foot apart. Keep your arms straight but angle them slightly away from your sides, palm facing upward. Close your eyes and start by breathing deeply through your nostrils four or five times. Allow the body to tense uniformly with each inhalation and to relax completely with each exhalation. Next, allow the state of relaxation to deepen by just being aware only of your breath or the rhythmic rise and fall of your body with each breath. Stay in this position for five to fifteen minutes. To release, gently open your eyes, bring arms back to your sides and bring legs together. Stretch gently before you sit up. Do not fall asleep during shavasana.

A modified form of Viparita Karani, the legs up a wall pose helps calm an aggravated pitta and supports an overall sense of balance and well-being.

How to perform viparita karani

Lie down perpendicular to a wall. Bring your buttocks as close to the wall as possible. As you breathe out, bring your legs up the wall so that they are at a ninety-degree angle from your upper body. Continue to breathe in and out deeply, eyes closed, focused on the breath. If thoughts come in, gently bring your attention back to the breath. Stay in the position for about five minutes. Slowly lower your legs, turn to your side and sit up to release. Do not practice this posture during menstruation.