10 Poses to Boost Your Mood and Reduce Stress

Infovitals

This pose is known for its ability to calm the mind and improve circulation. To do Downward-Facing Dog, start on your hands and knees with your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees hip-width apart. Tuck your toes under and lift your hips up and back, forming an inverted V-shape with your body. Keep your back straight and your heels pressing towards the ground. Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths. 

Downward-Facing Dog 

This pose is very calming and restorative. To do Child's Pose, kneel on the floor with your knees hip-width apart and sit back on your heels. Fold forward from your hips and rest your forehead on the ground. Extend your arms out in front of you, palms down. Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths.

Child's Pose 

This pose is great for stretching the spine and improving flexibility. To do Cat-Cow Pose, start on your hands and knees with your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees hip-width apart. On an inhale, arch your back and lift your head and tailbone. On an exhale, round your back and tuck your chin to your chest. Continue alternating between these two poses for 5-10 breaths.

Cat-Cow Pose 

This pose is great for opening the chest and improving circulation. To do Bridge Pose, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Raise your hips up off the ground until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths.

Bridge Pose 

This pose is great for strengthening the legs and core. To do Warrior I Pose, stand with your feet wide apart and turn your right foot out 90 degrees and your left foot in slightly. Bend your right knee until it is directly over your right ankle. Keep your left leg straight and your back heel pressed into the ground. Raise your arms overhead, palms facing each other. Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths, then repeat on the other side.

Warrior Pose 

Easy Pose 

This pose is a great way to start and end your practice. To do Easy Pose, sit on the floor with your legs crossed in front of you and your feet flat on the floor. Rest your hands on your knees or in your lap. Close your eyes and relax. 

This pose is great for improving balance and focus. To do Tree Pose, stand on one leg and place the sole of your other foot on the inner thigh of your standing leg. Keep your hips level and your spine straight. Reach your arms overhead, palms together. Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths, then repeat on the other side.

Tree Pose 

This pose is a deeply relaxing pose that is a great way to end your practice. To do Corpse Pose, lie on your back with your arms at your sides and your legs extended. Close your eyes and relax your entire body. Hold the pose for 5-10 minutes.

Corpse Pose 

This pose is great for opening the chest and hips. To do Triangle Pose, stand with your feet wide apart and turn your right foot out 90 degrees and your left foot in slightly. Bend your right knee until it is directly over your right ankle. Keep your left leg straight and your back heel pressed into the ground

Triangle Pose 

This pose is a deeply relaxing pose that is great for opening the hips and groin. To do Reclined Bound Angle Pose, lie on your back with your knees bent and the soles of your feet touching.

TriangleReclined Bound Angle Pose