As the year is nearing its end it makes for a great time to reflect on the past months, lessons learnt, adventures experienced and achievements accomplished and it offers and opportunity to look ahead, re-evaluating what is still on that list of things to complete before the turn of the year, which places to visit or friends to re-connect with and of course not to forget to enjoy the moment.
Sometimes though the colder and rainier season makes for a gloomy mood. That’s where yoga can help a great deal to keep one’s spirit high, to re-energize and to keep one’s mind focused. Here are a few yoga poses to try when in need of a mood boost:
Childs Pose (Balasana): Start on all fours, hands under shoulders, knees under hips, sink your hips back with your gluteus resting on your heels and your torso on or between your thighs. With your forehead on the mat or eye gaze to the side allow yourself to sink deeper into the pose.
Benefits: lengthens the spine, stretches the top of the feet, relaxes the body
Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Start on all fours, hands under shoulders, knees under hips, tuck your toes under, and on an exhale, press into your hands, lifting your knees of the floor whilst pressing your hips back. Keep your knees slightly or more bend to keep your spine straight and upper body long. Aim to distribute your weight evenly between arms and legs.
Benefits: strengthens the whole body, lengthens the back body
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Lie on your back and walk your feet close to your gluteus and hip distance apart, arms by the side of your body, palms down. On an exhale, press into your feet; roll your tailbone of the floor lifting your hips upwards. Advancing try clasping your hands underneath you and walk your shoulder blades closer together to open your chest.
Benefits: opens the chest, activates the back body
Try to stay in each of the above poses for 5-10 breaths or as long as it feels good.
Zenergy Yoga & Meditation 