Winter is characterised by everything warm – a warm blanket, beverages, and food. However, owing to the weather, it can sometimes be difficult to move around. The result – winter lethargy sets in. It makes you sleepy, sluggish, and even fatigued. Not only can it have an impact on the daily routine but also health due to less physical activity. But worry not. There are ways to counter that. One such way is Yoga. This physical activity is known to boost energy, which can be a great way to deal with winter lethargy.
Yoga Poses To Tackle Winter Lethargy
Here are seven yoga poses (asanas) you can do to manage winter lethargy:
1. Warrior 1 (Virabhadrasana 1)
Virabhadrasana I, or warrior I, is great for the arms, shoulders, legs, and thighs. It surely gives that boost of energy that you need. Here’s how to do it:
- Start in the downward-facing dog pose.
- Bring your right foot forward between your palms such that the toes of that foot face forward.
- Bend the right knee so that the thigh is at a 90° angle with the floor.
- Turn your left toe so that it’s at a 45° angle with the other foot.
- Extend your arms up and stay in this pose for a few breaths.
- Next, repeat the same on the other leg.
2. Dolphin Plank Pose (Ardha Pincha Mayurasana)
Your body is tight right after you wake up. Dolphin plank pose, or Ardha Pincha Mayurasana, is a great pose you can do right after waking up as it opens your arms, elbows, and shoulders. It also activates your leg muscles and opens your hamstrings. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start in the forearm plank pose with your core tight and spine straight.
- Next, walk your feet a few inches forward so that your hips rise and you resemble an inverted ‘V’.
- Make sure your head doesn’t touch the floor.
- This is the dolphin plank pose. Stay in this for a few seconds and gently come out of it.
3. Seated Forward Bend (Pashchimottanasana)
A great pose for the shoulders, spine, and hamstrings, here’s how you can do seated forward bend or Paschimottanasana:
- Sit on the floor or on a yoga mat with your legs extended in front of you.
- Press your palms on the floor to elongate your spine and sit straight.
- Extend your arms upward and gently bring them down towards the toes. Either hold the toes or your heels with your palms.
- While doing that, bring your forehead towards the knees. Go as far as you can.
- Stay in this pose for a few breaths and gently release.
4. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvāṅgāsana)
The long sitting hours can put pressure on your back, neck, and buttocks. Bridge pose can be great to counteract it. It also stretches your abdomen and chest. Here’s how to do it:
- Lie down on a mat with your legs extended and arms to your sides.
- Bend your knees and place your feet on the floor.
- Adjust your shoulder and neck region and bring your palms close to the heels.
- Tuck your shoulders, strengthen your glutes and gently raise your hips off the mat.
- Hold your feet with your palms or go as far as you can.
- Breathe in this pose for a few seconds and then gently release.
5. Locust Pose (Salabhasana)
Similar to the bridge pose, locust pose, or Salabhasana, also counteracts the prolonged hours we spend sitting. It also relieves back pain and tightness in the neck. Here’s how you can do it:
- Lie down on your belly in any way you want.
- Extend your arms forward.
- Next, raise your arms, forehead, chest, and lower legs off the mat so that the arms and feet are extended in opposite directions.
- Stay in this pose for a few seconds and gently release.
6. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
Cobra pose, or Bhujangasana, is known to boost energy. A great pose for posture, it also counteracts the effects of the long sitting hours. Here’s how you can do this pose:
- Lie down on your belly facing down with palms pressing down.
- Gently lift your face, and upper body off the mat with your arms slightly bent.
- Breathe in this pose for a few seconds and gently release.
7. Child’s Pose (Balasana)
This is yet another great Yoga asana (pose) for the back. It also stretches the arms, spine, and glutes and opens up the hips. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start in the tabletop pose with palms under the shoulders and knees under the hips.
- Spread your knees wide apart and bring your big toes to touch each other.
- Extending your arms forward lower down by bringing your abdomen between your thighs.
- Bring your forehead to touch the floor.
- Stay in the child’s pose for some breaths and gently release.
Instead of letting winter lethargy impact your life, practice these Yoga poses to get that much-needed boost of energy. It will also ensure that you get the requisite physical activity that you need throughout the day. Yoga is great for mental health too.
