Why does posture matter? A good posture helps your nervous system function better as your body is in the ideal position. A straight, upright posture depicts confidence and command. Yoga keeps your body relaxed and flushes out stress and toxins. While stress at work cannot be avoided, you can always relieve it with just a few simple asanas. By doing these asanas, you are letting your body function at its best efficiency. And you owe that to your body. Here are a few asanas that will help improve your posture and also give you instant relief.
1. Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
This asana teaches you the proper way to stand. It aligns your back in the right way and engages the entire body. The name rightfully represents a mountain, firm and upright, and it tells us how to maintain our posture every time. It mainly works on your core and shoulders, keeping them wide and open. When in position, hold for about a minute and then relax, repeating the same until required. Soon, you will find yourself standing more confidently with no stress.
2. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
A hunched back is caused due to over slouching and bad standing posture. But, with this asana, you can improve your posture. The Downward Facing Dog Pose helps to stretch your shoulders and widen your spine. It also gets rid of an arched back. Hold the pose until you feel the stress disappear. No more slouching!
3. Vrksasana (Tree Pose)
The Vrksasana, otherwise known as the Tree Pose, helps improve balance, creating a harmony in your posture. It is similar to the Mountain Pose, but we learn to balance on either side, which also strengthens the legs and the back. Practicing this posture improves your stability. As simple as it may seem, it proves to be very effective in your everyday life. Your balance is adjusted, and your posture is set right.
4. Kumbhakasana (Plank Pose)
Most of us face the problem of a weak core, which in turn makes us slouch while we sit. Strengthening your core is possible with the Plank Pose. In no time, your back will be as stable as a plank. It teaches you to take stress off your spine and makes your core more efficient. It helps you hold up your body with comfort and without strain. So, the next time you are at your desk, you will learn to sit in an upright position.
5. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Bhujangasana, otherwise known as the Cobra Pose, will help relax and stretch your back muscles. As the name suggests, the pose is inspired by a cobra. It works on your spine and keeps your back straight. Hold the pose until you feel relaxed. This asana will help you to stand straight without straining your spine.
Yoga is an act of relaxation for the body and mind. It helps you to perform better and enables your body to maintain the right posture. When your body is in harmony, your mind will follow suit. So, take some time out from your busy schedule and indulge in these relaxing exercises. You will surely notice the difference.
By Vineetha Reddy
Being a regular practitioner and adviser of everything related to health, fitness and yoga, I have also begun to write and contribute to this knowledge ecosystem on sites like YogaDownload.com. I strongly believe that the organic food you find in your pantry provide the best benefits for good health.