The pose helps to soothe swollen or cramped feet and legs

If you’ve been sitting at your desk all day or standing for long periods of time, make legs-up-the-wall your go-to pose. “Inverting the legs and feet is as an effective treatment for reducing swelling and pain in the lower body,” says Rihanoff. “This can be therapeutic after flying, physical activity or from the harmful effects of many hours of sitting or standing during the day.”

Legs-up-the-wall stretches the hamstrings and lower back

“The angle of the body reduces the curve of the lumbar spine, which will relax and stretch the back muscles. Even if the knees are slightly bent during the pose, your hamstrings will be lengthened and stretched,” Rihanoff says.

How lifting your legs up against the wall can calm your mind and reduce stress