Are you struggling with chronic exhaustion and low energy levels? Maybe you’re covered by brain fog and need a pot of coffee to become fully awake? You may be surprised at how some simple yoga stretches can help revitalize you and improve your energy flow.
When it comes to this respected practice, some people have common misconceptions. You may think you need to be a body contortionist to try the yogic tradition. In fact, most of the workouts include simple stretching and postures that you and most people can do.
Also, you needn’t adopt any religion to practice. Ancient yogic tradition is a philosophy that brings harmony to body, mind, and spirit. You can adhere to any creed and religion or none to practice effectively.
This gentle stretching practice enjoys popularity across the globe. However, yogic philosophy was only introduced to America and the Western world in the late 1960s. According to an article published by the White Swan Foundation, yogic tradition and exercises began in Ancient India as early as 3,000 B.C.E.
Possible Impact of Yoga on Your Energy Flow
Like other meditative exercises, yogic workouts can provide several benefits to you. An article published by the American Osteopathic Association can improve your muscle tone and increase your flexibility. Yogis report that it can also help you reduce stress, anxiety and restore a healthy energy flow.
Restoring Your Energy Flow with Yogic Poses
Maybe you are chronically exhausted and go on a sluggish autopilot throughout your day. You may also experience unexplained aches and pains and a general sense of uneasiness. You’re frustrated because of a lack of energy, and there’s sometimes it’s all you can do to make it through the day.
Ancient yogis believed that body, mind, and spirit are powered by prana, meaning life force. It remains one of the many guiding principles of yogic practice today. When your prana flows freely throughout your body, say practitioners, you feel revitalized and healthy.
However, tension and other issues can block prana anywhere in your body. When this happens, your energy diminishes, and you feel drained, sick, and depressed. The purpose behind the stretching and posing, called asana, is to unblock your prana use gentle movements.
Fatigue and Your Spine
Think of all the work your spine does for you every day. Not only does it protect your spinal cord, but it provides movement and support. When your back hurts, it affects your whole body.
Your spine is also a vital conduit for prana, according to yogism. If you have a prana block in your spine, it interrupts the prana throughout your body. It leaves you feeling exhausted and uneasy.
Your spinal prana can become blocked or stagnant with constant sitting. Your back may feel sore, cramped, and tired. Yogic asana focused on your spine provides beneficial stretching that can improve blood circulation and unblock your prana.
Unlock Your Energy Flow With These Ten Moves
Are you ready to kick the fatigue and restore your prana? Maybe yogic asanas specific to your spine can help you. Here are ten easy exercises that you can learn and practice at home.
1. Half Sun Salutation for Energy Flow
When you arise each morning to greet the sun, consider doing this beneficial yogic stretch. It’s an ideal asana to work the kinks out of your back and neck after sleeping all night.
How To:
- Stand straight with your feet together with your arms naturally at your side, palms open. This is a classic asana called The Mountain.
- Now, gently bring your arms over your head as you inhale through your nostrils.
- As you slowly exhale through your lips, bring your body forward as if you are bowing.
- Inhale again while you raise your torso, bring your hands toward your shins, and extend your spine. Exhale and bow forward again. Finally, inhale and fold your hands together in a prayer stance.
- This completes one set. Try to repeat these steps three to five times and visualize your prana flowing freely.
2. The Camel
If you want to revitalize your body quickly, try doing this asana. It opens the front of your body and your heart’s energy source, or chakra. You can do it by touching your heels or modifying it by placing your hands on your lower back.
How To:
- Kneel comfortably on your mat with your body straight and your hips and knees aligned.
- Extend your hands toward your sides and clasp them right above each hip.
- As you inhale, reach your hands back to grasp your heels, if possible. Remember to not push yourself to it hurts or it’s counterproductive.
- Bend back slightly, and let your head come back as if you were looking at the ceiling.
- Exhale and bring your body back to the starting position. Try three to five repetitions.
3. Warrior II Asana
This yogic sequence can restore prana to your legs and back. When combined with mindful breathing, it benefits your whole body. Try to focus on a rapid exhalation, sometimes called the breath of fire.
How To Use The Warrior II to Increase Energy Flow:
First, stand comfortably with your feet stretched out on either side, about a yard apart.
- Bring your arms out straight from your sides and relax your shoulders.
- Turn your right foot out at 90 degrees, then lunge with your bended knee.
- Turn your head to look toward your fingers at the right.
- Come back to the starting point and repeat these steps for your left side.
- Your goal is three to five repetitions.
4. Triangle Asana for Energy Flow
The Triangle Asana is a natural sequence after the Warrior II Asana.
How To:
- Stand naturally, then straighten the front of your right knee.
- Reach your right arm forward and down toward the floor. If you can’t reach that far, stretch as far down as you comfortably can.
- Next, raise your left arm and turn your face toward the ceiling.
- Hold this stance for at least five deep breaths and return to the starting point.
- Focus on recharging your body and restoring your energy flow.
5. Side Plank
Consider strengthening your whole body with this unique yogic sequence. It helps you to focus on balance while it reduces stress. Thus, it increases your energy flow.
How To:
- Begin in a Plank position.
- Turn your body to your left side.
- Place your left foot on your right foot and lift your right hand.
- Hold this position for at least five breaths, then repeat your side sequence.
- Try three to five repetitions.
6. Chair Asana
For this asana, you’re acting as if you were taking a seat. It can help strengthen your leg muscles, glutes, and spine.
How To:
- Stand comfortably on your mat with your feet together. You can also modify the exercise by having them aligned with each hip.
- Bend your lower body like you’re ready to sit in a chair.
- Inhale as you raise your arms toward your ears and your chest outwards.
- Exhale and return to the first position.
- Your goal is to do at least two to four repetitions.
7. Half-Moon Asana
Do you battle stress, anxiety, and constant fatigue? This balancing asana is ideal for strengthening your body and restoring your energy flow.
How To:
- Stand on your mat with your feet aligned with your shoulders and assume the Triangle Asana.
- Tip toward your right side with your right hand slightly toward the right in front of you.
- Bring your left leg up while keeping your torso and hips open.
- Raise your left arm toward the ceiling and hold the position for three to five deep breaths.
- Come back to the starting point and repeat with your left side.
8. Bridge Asana
An ideal way to strengthen your back and ease tension is with this back-strengthening sequence. You’ll feel your energy flow from your spine throughout your body.
How To:
- Lie comfortably flat on your mat with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and arms at your sides.
- Now, raise your hips high and hold the position for at least five breaths.
- You can keep your hands at your sides, or you can interlace your fingers for more stretching.
- Come back to the starting point and repeat three to five times.
9. Locust Asana
This yogic exercise benefits your hamstrings and each section of your spine. With each breath and body lift, you’re restoring your energy flow from head to toe.
How To:
- First, lie flat on your tummy with your arms resting palm-side up at each side.
- Gently raise your head, chest, arms, and legs off your mat and hold for at least five deep breaths.
- Try to bring your body a bit higher each time you breathe. Repeat the sequence three to five times.
10. Right Nostril Breathing for Energy Flow
The yogic tradition is inherently combined with mindful breathing. This sequence focuses on your breathing while you release tension and negative energy. Proper nostril breathing is for energy revitalization, while the left is for calm and tranquility.
How To:
- Sit cross-legged comfortably on your mat or in a chair if you need.
- Press your thumb against your left nostril, so it’s temporarily blocked.
- Inhale and exhale deeply through your right nostril for three to five minutes.
- This is one of the few times you won’t exhale through your lips.
- Close your eyes and feel the fire of your energy flow igniting.
Final Thoughts on Increasing Your Energy with Yoga Exercises
When you need a burst of energy in the morning, consider using these yogic asanas. You can also add them to your regular exercise routine. They can boost your energy flow and give you the confidence to have a great day.
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