“What you think, you become” - Buddha

Did you know that only 10 minutes of yoga a day can rejuvenate your body, mind and soul! Yoga demands a total mindful practice where your body and mind is aligned and you are present in the present. Yoga helps you let go of your thoughts of the past or worries of the future. Being in the moment is easier said than done but yoga helps you immerse yourself completely and leaves you feeling alive and energetic for the rest of the day.

Here are a few practices that’ll help you feel calmer and happier:

Breathing (Pranayama)

Breath is the main source of prana – the vital life-force energy. You can use your breath to release negative emotions and feel happy and uplifted.  You can influence your emotions through your breath, you must have noticed how you take short breaths when angry or agitated and longer breaths when you are calm. Research proves that focusing on your breathing cycle helps change the state of your mind. 

Standing Forward Fold (Uttanasana)

Forward fold and other inversions where your head is below your heart and hips helps maximum oxygen flow to the brain which brings calmness and relaxation. Brain uses 90% of your body’s oxygen so I’d say this is one of the best postures to relieve anxiety and stress. You feel grounded to the earth while strengthening your knees and stretching your hips, calves and hamstrings. 

Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Your shoulders and hips carry a lot of tension and suppressed emotions. This pose will help you release it by opening up your shoulders. Grounding your feet and palms to the floor releases the tightness and the balance makes you feel relaxed and comfortable.

Seated One Leg Forward Fold (Janushirsasana)

It is an excellent posture to stretch your spine, hamstring and lower back, while ensuring your head and neck feel rested. Apart from relieving stress, this pose eases the symptoms of PMS, improves digestion, stimulates the liver, and reduces fatigue.

Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

Some call this a heart-opening posture, because it opens and stretches your chest. Your chin is towards your chest, so you feel supported. This is one of the easiest backbend asanas that gives you immense emotional and physical benefits. One should practice it daily either restoratively or dynamically depending on however you feel. 

Child Pose (Balasana)

Balasana has to be every yogis favourite posture. Not only is it the best resting pose but it is beneficial for your lymphatic system and nervous system. It calms your mind and releases stress. It stretches your thighs, hips and ankles, while allowing your neck and back to rest. 

Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani)

Legs-up-the-wall asana facilitates lymph drainage, increased blood circulation, and allows the return of blood back to the heart. This is another very important asana to include in your daily practice to get an instant mood boost. 

Restful Sleep Meditation (Yog Nidra)

Meditation practices help with overall goodness. Just like yoga increases your hormones like endorphins, meditation cultivates a feeling of happiness and calmness. It releases physical blocks or emotional tensions, and helps you positively handle stress. 

Enjoy these great therapeutic poses. Use yoga to destress.

Namaste!