Mood swings, pandemic fatigue, headaches caused by work stress, and the constant need to tick something off from the to-do list have been keeping the majority of us on our toes since the lockdown was imposed and work-from-home (WFH) began. When you add the woes that the second wave of COVID-19 has brought about, you will be left with a feeling of despair, hopelessness, and anxiety.
During this key phase, experiencing pangs of dullness and a lack of outdoor life has hit us harder than we could possibly have imagined. In the wake of these circumstances, finding ways and means to stay happy will surely seem daunting. Happiness is a mental state, and to attain that state, yoga is a trusted approach.
Mentioned below are 8 yoga poses for happiness.
Balasna (Child’s Pose)
Yoga and happiness go hand in hand. Balasna is restorative in nature and is known to significantly cut down on fatigue and stress, while simultaneously giving a gentle stretch to the muscles of the hips and lower back. This is one yoga pose that you can regularly return to during your yogic practice if you require rest or just a moment to restore and reset your body.
To execute this pose, you need to inhale deeply and expansively as you lower your hips down towards the mat, thus relaxing unwanted stress and tension that you may be holding on to.
Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations)
When the air-conditioner is uncomfortably high, and it is making you cranky and unpleasant, Surya Namaskar will effectively warm your body up. It may even put a warm smile on your face. Surya Namaskar is known to harness all the good vibes around you, allowing you to establish that blissful connection between mind and body.
After you have mastered the fluid movements, you may perform Surya Namaskar with your eyes shut, savoring that lightheaded playfulness that flows in the present moment.
Camatkarasana (Wild Thing)
Camatkarasana means “the ecstatic unfolding of the enraptured heart.” Backbends such as the Camatkarasana are extremely therapeutic because they efficiently open the heart space and successfully increase energy levels and inner strength. You will surely experience a sense of expansiveness and freedom as you practice getting into this wonderful pose.
Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold)
Uttanasana may seem simple to execute. That said, the benefits offered to your mind and body are immense. Uttanasana helps in relieving stress, lifting your spirits, and efficiently stretching your entire lower body.
If your hamstrings are a tad too tight, try bending your knees slightly and using your thighs to rest your upper body. This simple modification can be extremely restorative in nature.
Sirasana (Headstand)
Inversion Yogic poses are one of the most optimum ways to build inner strength. What’s more, they turn your frown in upside-down manner (literally speaking) when you feel sad or depressed. In reality, when you flip your perspective in the Sirasana pose, you stand a sure chance of relieving mild sadness and depression.
If you are a novice when it comes to yoga, make it a point to execute this Asana under the guidance of a trained yoga instructor to ensure your safety. Alternatively, you may attempt a modified version of the pose, such as the legs-up-the-wall pose.
Apanasana (Knees to Chest Pose)
Making your knees hug your chest, while simultaneously transforming your entire body into a small, little ball has the ability to both relax the muscles of your lower back and restore happiness.
When you have mastered this pose, you may try to rock your body back and forth or side to side on your spine to experience a soothing massage. To maximize your happiness, you may close your eyes and focus on your breath.
Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby Pose)
Ananda literally translates to “happiness.” If a yogic pose has the word “happiness” literally in the name, it is bound to make you happy.
In fact, Ananda Balasana will give you the feeling of being carefree like a child, while simultaneously eliminating any stress or tension that is lingering in your body. Similar to Apanasana, you may gently rock your body along your spine to add subtle movements to this asana and to keep your limbs active and strong.
Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Irrespective of the mood that you are in, settling into the Savasana pose is sure to relax your mind and body while providing tremendous bliss.
To derive maximum happiness, you need to close your eyes and let your body relax completely as you practice letting go from head to toe.
The Last Word
Happiness and yoga are associated. In these tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic, yoga and yogic asanas are sure to keep you happy and cheerful. Yoga for happiness is bound to bear fruit even if you are a novice practitioner.
This article is reviewed by Suchitra Marwah
