Every yoga practice is different and varied, not just by the different series of poses, but by the state of mind. We can only control so much in our daily lives and, as a result, we can’t always choose how we’re feeling at any given moment.
Consider channeling your emotions and seize negative energy by adjusting your yoga practice to fit your mood. Whether you are happy, tired, or stressed, our list of mood-inspired practice tips will help you maximize your current situation.
Stressed
For moments of high stress and tension, you should incorporate poses that require high levels of energy and stretching. To begin your ascent to serenity, make sure to include these poses whenever you’re feeling stressed in your next practice:
- Extended Triangle Pose—Great for standing and spreading tense energy throughout the body, the extended triangle pose is ideal for stress relief. Also a strength-building pose, the extended triangle pose creates the impression of increasing your current space by stretching your arms and legs outward. Since your head will be facing downward, your change in perspective will be a great change of pace for your mind, as well. You will have to then shift your focus from whatever stress-inducing thoughts you have,toward your balance to ensure you maintain stability.
- Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose—This pose is ideal for whenever you’re stressed in a work environment or where space is limited. With you mat against the wall and your back on the floor, the Legs-Up-The-Wall pose will allow you to stretch and relax all at once. Put on your headphones, play your favorite mantra, and stay in position for about ten minutes. When you’re done, stand up and take an entirely new take on your day.
Calm
Reserve your moments of calm for focus and meditation with these relaxing poses that are sure to maximize your moments of inner-peace.
- Child’s Pose—Keep on your path of serenity with this pose that will gently stretch your hips and back, while allowing you to go into a deeper level of calm. If you’re a beginner, this is an easy pose to warm up on your stretches. Maintain the pose for as little as 30 seconds or five minutes, enough time for you to take a moment to relax and become aware of your surroundings.
- Corpse Pose—Perhaps the easiest pose for any yogi, the corpse pose consists of laying on your back with limbs outstretched in a sleep-like position. Take advantage of your clear mindset to absorb more energy surrounding you; play your favorite mantra or engage in a chant to enter a moment of deeper reflection.
Energetic
For moments of intense happiness, make the most of your positive energy and opt for a longer yoga practice with more challenging positions:
- Forearm Stand—Starting at a dolphin pose, lift your legs up slowly and maintain your balance. Since this position is quite energy-consuming, hold it for about as much as a minute before releasing and then repeating. If this pose is too difficult for you, try practicing against a wall by leaning your legs against it.
- Chair Pose—By putting yourself in a position that strains your knees, you’ll be toning your legs while getting a maximum stretch of your back and arms. Keep the position for as long as you can, alternating between it and mountain pose.
After a highly energetic practice, you may not have the time to take a shower, thus deterring you from deeper exercise. Not to worry—with the proper post-workout beauty care products, you can indulge in any workout yoga practice of your choice and freshen up on-the-go.
Sick
For moment when you’re feeling under the weather, there is a collection of immune-building poses and breathing exercises. Consider these next time you’re beginning to feel ill as a supplement to your regular healthcare routine; you’ll start feeling positive results soon afterward.
- Breathing Exercises—One of the best, time-tested ways to relax is through breathing exercises. Incorporate them into your practice, or simply work on them on a work break, to feel healthier instantly. All you have to do is place your hands on your abdomen and chest, breathe in slowly, hold for ten seconds, and then exhale. Repeat this process and as you go along, notice how your breath is changing or slowing.
- Sun Salutation—A great way to start a sick day and alert your senses with with some Vitamin C! The half-sun salutation routine begins with mountain pose and then goes through a series of ten poses that will vary from standing, to lying, to stretching. Appropriately called the Sun salutation, take your practice outside and breathe in the positive energy from the sun and soak up its goodness.
Whether you are trying to relax after a long day or are looking to start your morning in the best state of mind, practicing yoga is always a great idea. Not only will your body feel rejuvenated, your mind will feel refreshed and strong. Get into a healthy and positive mindset with yoga today.