5 Easy-To-Do Yoga Poses That Will Instantly Help You Boost Your Mood

It is a well-known fact that yoga helps to improve flexibility and stamina. But, if you thought these are the only health benefits that yoga can promise you, think again. Recent studies have found that yoga is a great form of exercise for anyone looking to positively impact their mood. Yoga proves to be the best way to boost up the mood and get rid of stress and anxiety.

But, yoga in itself is vast, and you cannot really do each and every pose or asana every single day. However, you need not worry. We have for you, a list of five best yoga poses that have been proven to help you get rid of a foul mood effectively. Here you go.

Recommended Read: 7 Best Yoga Poses For Couples To Boost Their Relationship

#1. Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)

This pose opens up your chest, lungs and shoulders, and relaxes the heart, apart from acting as a reliever for a headache. According to yoga, the body is divided into seven energy centres or chakras. This pose stimulates the seventh chakra, which is located at the top of the head. This leads to alleviation of problems like insomnia, anxiety and depression.

How to do this pose:

• Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor, with arms by your sides.
• Place your feet firm, and while exhaling, lift your hips gently upwards. Keep your shoulders and neck firmly on the floor.
• Hold your hips off the floor, while squeezing the buttocks tightly in.
• Place your hands under your hips, on the floor, pressing them down as much as possible.
• Keep your thighs and feet parallel while spreading your weight evenly across all four corners of both feet.
• Keep breathing normally, with a steady rhythm. Try to hold the pose for as long as you can.
• Slowly return to the starting position.

Word of caution: If you suffer from knee, back or neck pains and problems, avoid this asana.

Don't Miss: 7 Amazing Reasons Why Partner Yoga Is Great For Your Relationship

#2. Naukasana (Boat Pose)

Apart from building core strength and helping to reduce belly fat, the boat pose is a great stress reliever. It works towards building physical and mental stamina, thus making you feel less anxious.

How to do this pose:

• Lie flat on your back with arms by your side. Continue breathing normally.
• Now, while inhaling slowly, lift both your legs at a 45-degree angle.
• While you do that, lift your upper body too; slowly raising your arms parallel to your legs. This will form a boat-like pose.
• Without forcing yourself, try maintaining this position stably for 8-10 breaths. You can slowly increase the time as you get used to it.
• Relax and gently get back to the normal lying-down position.

Word of caution: If you suffer from hernia, ulcers, neck injury or problems related to the hip joint, avoid this asana.

#3. Balasana (Child Pose)

The simplest and most relaxing of all yoga poses, balasana helps stretch the spine and relaxes the body. It also helps soothe down panic, nervousness and anxiety, and helps set a peaceful sleep pattern.

How to do this pose:

• Sit in the kneeling down position, with feet and toes stretched outwards.
• Rest your buttocks on your heels, and keep this position stable.
• While inhaling, slowly bend forward, with arms stretched forward.
• Keeping the buttocks firm on the heels, place arms on the floor, and your head between the arms, forehead touching the floor.
• Keep breathing steadily and close your eyes.
• Hold this position for about a minute.
• Slowly get back to the normal kneeling position.

Word of caution: If you suffer from knee or back injury, refrain from this asana, or consult with your health expert before going for it.

Interesting: 8 Yoga Exercises That Will Help You Grow Your Hair Faster

#4. Sirsasana (Headstand)

Handstand or sirsasana has been long known to increase the circulation of blood to the brain, thus reducing depression, anxiety and insomnia. That apart, it helps build stamina and balance and improves memory.

How to do this pose:

• Kneel down, with the knees and toes firmly on the floor.
• Make a finger-lock with your hands, and making a triangle with the finger-lock and elbows, place it on the floor.
• Bend forward and place your head in the middle of the triangle.
• Slowly lift the soles of your feet off the floor while maintaining balance.
• Gently try to lift the buttocks, thighs and feet up.
• Try to stretch to maintain a straight posture.
• You can do this against a wall in the beginning to maintain balance.
• Try to continue breathing steady, and hold for as long as you can.
• Gently return to the original position.

Word of caution: If you are pregnant or overweight, or suffer from high blood pressure or weakened neck muscles due to injury or other reasons, you should refrain from doing sirsasana.

#5. Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

This pose efficiently plays with your physical as well as mental balance and stability. It is known to reduce stress and tension, and relaxing the muscles almost instantly.

How to do this pose:

• Kneel on the floor, with your knees, hips and thighs perpendicular to the floor.
• Slowly, while inhaling, raise your arms above and bend backwards.
• While arching your back, try to touch your heels.
• Hold this position for as long as you can.
• Slowly, return to the normal kneeling position.

Word of caution: If you suffer from joint problems, or have undergone surgeries recently, then stay away from this asana.

While these yoga poses have been proven to relieve stress and anxiety, they need to be practised regularly to see noticeable results. Also, it is always best to consult a trained yoga instructor and perform these under supervision, especially if you are a beginner. We hope they help you in staying happy and healthy always!

Next Read: Kriti Sanon Beauty Tips, Fitness Regime And Diet Secrets Behind Her Gorgeous Skin And Hair