There are days when everything feels a little heavy. Maybe you woke up tired, or the stress of the day just hit too hard. When I feel like that, I don’t always want to talk or go out. What I do instead is roll out my yoga mat. I’ve learned that even five minutes of the right poses can change how I feel. My body feels lighter, and my mind clears up. These five yoga poses helped me on those low-energy days. They might do the same for you.
1. Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Salute)
This pose is simple but powerful. Just standing tall and stretching your arms toward the sky feels like opening yourself up to fresh energy. It wakes up the body and gives you a burst of alertness.
Stand with your feet together. Raise your arms above your head. Stretch your fingers toward the ceiling. Breathe in deeply as you reach up. Hold for a few seconds, then breathe out and relax your arms down. Do this a few times.
It helps you feel taller, stronger, and more awake. I often start my mornings with this pose to shake off sleepiness.
2. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog)
This pose gets the blood flowing to your head, and that can help shift your mood fast. It also stretches the back, legs, and shoulders.
Start on your hands and knees. Tuck your toes and lift your hips up, making a V shape with your body. Your heels can stay off the ground. Keep your arms and legs strong. Let your head hang between your arms.
Hold for a few deep breaths. It feels like your whole body is working, and yet your mind starts to feel more still.
3. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
This backbend is great when you feel closed off or low. It opens the chest and heart area. Emotionally, it feels like you’re letting light in.
Lie on your stomach. Place your hands under your shoulders. Press gently and lift your chest. Keep your elbows bent and shoulders away from your ears.
Breathe slowly and hold for a few seconds. Then lower down. Repeat a few times. This pose gave me energy on days I felt too tired to move.
4. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
Bridge Pose lifts your body and your mood. It’s calming, yet energizing. It helps if you’re feeling anxious or sad.
Lie on your back. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor. Keep arms by your side. Press your feet into the mat and lift your hips.
Try to hold for 30 seconds while breathing deeply. Lower down slowly. I find this pose gives me a quiet kind of strength.
5. Sukhasana with Deep Breathing (Easy Pose)
Sometimes the best thing is to sit still. This pose is simple but works well when your thoughts are all over the place.
Sit cross-legged on the floor. Keep your spine straight and your hands on your knees. Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths. Inhale through your nose. Exhale through your nose.
Even 2 to 3 minutes in this pose can make you feel grounded again. I use it anytime I need to reset my mood gently.
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