A physical therapist says yoga is highly effective for stress management and shares her top three poses for high-stress days

Side shot of a woman in khaki leggings on a red exercise mat and wooden floor in a happy baby yoga pose, on her back knees close to her chest and holding her feet. there's a blurred living room setting behind her.

High-stress situations can impact the body and mental stress can inadvertently lead to physical issues—because our minds and bodies are intrinsically linked, even if we’re not aware of it.

Dr Karen Thomas is a physical therapist and air force veteran, who has worked with front-line personnel and emergency responders for 20 years. She has seen firsthand how the body holds stress, translating it into muscle tension and even increasing injury risk.