How has the first few weeks of the new year been for you? The start of 2022 has already been filled with ups and downs as we all get our heads around the idea that it’s already January.
As we go through new changes and new seasons of our lives, it’s important that we take the space to centre ourselves. For centuries, people have been doing yoga as a means of physical and mental wellness. It is a practice that has stood the test of time, and can help us even today.
An asana in yoga is basically a position that people either hold or flow through. Different positions are known to benefit a person holistically. Here are five yoga asanas that will help you make it through the beginning-of-year crazy and still come out on top.
1. Child’s pose
The child’s pose is also known as balasana and is a stretch for the hips, back, thighs and ankles. It helps relieve back pain and is an easy pose to get into. To move into it, get on your knees with toes parallel to your mat. Hinging from the hips, lean forward until your forehead is on the floor, with arms in front of you.
Variations of the pose include knees together or apart, and arms in front of you or to the side. Yoga is all about doing what feels good for your body, so go with how your body feels and stay in your pose for as long as you like. Calm music is highly encouraged!
2. Warrior pose
The warrior pose makes you feel as strong as the name suggests. It has three main variations which one traditionally goes through in sequence. Warrior 1 involves stepping your left leg back and turning your toes outwards, with your right leg bent in front of you. Place your hands above you as you inhale and arch your back slightly.
For Warrior 2, open both of your arms parallel to the floor and in front of you, and turn your body to the left, with your right knee remaining bent. Warrior 3 is when you straighten out your right leg and bring your left leg off the ground and parallel to the floor with arms stretching in front of you. However, this pose can be a little tricky.
If you’re just starting off, stick with Warrior 1 and 2. You’ll get the same full-body benefits, and frequent practice helps you understand and align your body better.
3. Happy baby
We know what you’re thinking- what a cute name! With how the pose holds, it makes the yogi look like a baby when their legs are kicked up. To get into this position, lay on your back with your legs up in front of you, knees bent. Then, place your hands on the outer edges of your feet. You can either be still, or rock your body from side to side.
This pose is also known as the ananda balasana, and stretches out your thighs and groin. It also releases your hips and back. You might feel a little silly being in the pose, but take the space to stretch and recentre yourself as you get into the pose.
4. Downward facing dog
The downward dog is one of the most well-known and well-loved asanas in yoga. It’s also one of the easiest poses to start off your yoga journey with. Start by standing with your legs slightly apart and your palms apart on the mat. Then, straighten up your arms and legs while keeping your core engaged. Take a few inhales in this position.
This position is known as one of surrender, as your body is supported by the earth with the rest of it being relaxed. As you give yourself to this position, feel yourself being grounded into the earth and coming back to yourself.
5. Savasana
You wouldn’t think that just laying on your mat is a yoga pose, but it is. Savasana is known as the final resting pose for most yoga flows, and simply involves laying flat on your back with your palms up. It might seem pretty straightforward, but reaping the benefits from it involves being still not just in your body, but your mind.
Following a simple audio meditation is helpful to centre your mind and body on your resting pose. A helpful method is to focus on your breath and how your body feels. If thoughts come, acknowledge them and bring your focus back to your breath.
Get those yoga benefits, LIVLOLA fam- we promise you won’t regret it!
Images sourced from Dimensions
