Ramya Achanta
A long day of work is no excuse to feel weak. Do not let the brain drain, weak knees, and slurred speech get to you and put you down. To be able to beam with energy all day and bounce back the next day with the same vigor and enthusiasm, resort to yoga asanas. Read on to know more about them.
Before that, let’s learn about how yoga boosts energy.
Yoga To Build Energy
Yoga creates and sustains energies in your bodies through asanas. There is a dormant cosmic energy within each one of us that the asanas awaken. They build and maintain energies in your body making yoga the go-to natural energy-booster that breaks down chunks of energy stored along with the length of your body. Its uniqueness lies in awakening all the systems in your body and bringing a new life to them. The stretches open up your system to invigorate energy throughout the body. Check the following asanas that will help you build energy.
Morning Yoga For Energy
- Vriksasana (Tree Pose)
- Natarajasana (Dance Pose)
- Utkatasana (Chair Pose)
- Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
- Chakrasana (Wheel Pose)
- Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
- Kapotasana (PIgeon Pose)
1. Vriksasana (Tree Pose)
Vriksasana or the Tree Pose gets its name due to its close resemblance to the solid presence of a tree. Unlike most of the other yoga asanas, you should keep your eyes open for this pose to maintain balance. It is best to do the asana in the morning as it needs complete focus and attention which can be achieved easily during the early hours of the day. Hold this beginner level Hatha yoga pose for at least one minute on each leg.
Benefits: Vriksasana strengthens your spine and improves neuromuscular coordination. It reinforces your knees and feet. The pose elevates your mental faculties and uplifts the strength of your shoulders. It stretches your chest, inner thighs and improves your sense of balance.
To know more about the pose and how to do it, check- Vrikshasana.
2. Natarajasana (Dance Pose)
Natarajasana or the Dance Pose is named so as the pose resembles one of the dancing stances of Lord Shiva in his dancer avatar. It is a challenging pose that works best when performed in the morning on an empty stomach. Natarajasana is an intermediate level Vinyasa yoga which should be held for at least 15-30 seconds and further up if you can.
Benefits: Natarajasana strengthens your chest, hips, and legs. It gives a good stretch to your thighs and improves your posture. The pose makes your body flexible and fit. It relieves stress from the body and improves balance.
To know more about the pose and how to do it, check- Natarajasana.
3. Utkatasana (Chair Pose)
Utkatasana or the Chair Pose is like sitting on an imaginary chair. Sounds easy but requires lots of grit to do so. It is a powerful pose that requires a lot of patience. This basic level Vinyasa yoga needs at least 30-60 seconds of holding the pose and works best when done in the morning on an empty stomach. Your energy is the highest in the morning, and you will need it all to maintain Utkatasana.
Benefits: Utkatasana stretches your torso, hips and lower back. It increases your mind’s determination and stimulates your heart. The pose relieves joint and back pains. It tones your legs and strengthens your calves. Utkatasana increases the power and flexibility of your thighs.
To know more about the pose and how to do it, check- Utkatasana.
4. Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
Ustrasana or the Camel Pose is an amazing backbend. It is best to do the asana in the morning on an empty stomach and clean bowels and with the energy generated from the digested food of the previous day’s dinner. Practicing the asana in the evenings is fine too but make sure that there is a gap of at least 4-6 hours from your last meal. Hold this basic level Vinyasa pose for at least 30-60 seconds.
Benefits: Ustrasana opens up your chest and the front portion of your torso. It strengthens your back and shoulders. The pose removes pain in the lower back and makes your spine more flexible. It strengthens your thighs and arms. Ustrasana tones your neck and cures constipation.
To know more about the pose and how to do it, check- Ustrasana.
5. Chakrasana (Wheel Pose)
Chakrasana or the Wheel Pose is a challenging back pose that is a part of the Ashtanga yoga regimen. Hold the asana for at least 1-4 minutes for best results. The best time to assume this basic Ashtanga yoga pose is in the morning after you clear your bowels and before you have your breakfast. Infact this is one of the best morning yoga poses for energy boost.
Benefits: Chakrasana gives strength to your legs, arms, buttocks and lower back. It stimulates the thyroid gland. The pose cures asthma and stretches your core. It reduces depression and makes you feel energetic and full of life. The wheel pose keeps all the systems in your body in harmony and ignites your seven chakras.
To know more about the pose and how to do it, check- Chakrasana.
6. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Bhujangasana or the Cobra Pose is an energizing backbend and looks similar to the raised hood of a cobra. It is part of the 12 poses of the Surya Namaskar regimen. Hold this basic Ashtanga yoga pose for at least 15-30 seconds. It is best to practice Bhujangasana early in the morning on an empty stomach when you can use the stored energy generated from the previous night’s meal.
Benefits: Bhujangasana stimulates your digestive system and tones the organs of your lower abdomen. It regulates your metabolism and gives your lungs a good stretch. This pose improves blood and oxygen circulation throughout the body. It elevates your mind and decreases stiffness in the lower back.
To know more about the pose and how to do it, check- Bhujangasana.
7. Kapotasana (Pigeon Pose)
Kapotasana or the Pigeon Pose when assumed looks similar to the graceful stance of a pigeon. If done regularly, the pigeon pose will benefit your body to a great extent. Kapotasana is a beginner level Ashtanga yoga pose that works best when held for at least a minute and practiced in the morning on an empty stomach and clean bowels.
Benefits: Kapotasana strengthens and stretches the joints and muscles of your legs. It reduces blood pressure and increases the intake of oxygen into your body. The pose treats urinary disorders and reduces stiffness in the hip, back and shoulder regions.
To know more about the pose and how to do it, check- Kapotasana.
Now that you know all about yoga for energy boost, what are you waiting for? These energy building asanas are sure to lift your spirits. Now, let’s answer some frequently asked questions regarding yoga and energy.
Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions
How many days a week should I practice yoga to keep my energy levels intact?
Practice yoga daily to keep your energy levels up. If that is not possible, exercising at least 2-3 times a week for about 20 minutes to an hour will also do.
How is yoga different from other forms of exercise?
Yoga works both on the mind and body simultaneously, and it uses your body as a means to cure the problems you go through. It connects your mind, body, and breath, making you look inward and aware of your being. It is a wholesome process and not a mere movement of limbs.
Our day-to-day activities suck the energy out of us, and the heat and dust we live in will only make it worse. By the end of the day, you do not want to look like a squeezed juice packet. Begin practicing energy increasing asanas and feel the difference.
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