5 Most Effective Yoga Asanas for Depression

Life has its ups and downs, and most of us get depressed in our journey through it during adversities, while a few of us remain calm, undaunted by the hardships and hazards that we face. You have to realize that even though life presents a lot of challenges, some of which may be absolutely unpredicted, you have to steadily walk your path of life and perform your responsibilities successfully, as there may be other persons dependent on you for the smooth running of their lives; for achieving this, you require mental solace and strength to think courageously and rationally to sort out your problems.

There are some wonderful simple yoga exercises that can help bring the zing back in your life.

Simple Yoga Poses For Depression

Balasana( Child Pose)

Balasana is the yoga pose that mimics one of the natural resting positions of babies. To perform this exercise, sit on your knees with your thighs resting on your shanks. Bend your body forwards with your forehead and nose touching the floor, and your hands stretched out straight on the floor in front of you.

Breathe slowly and normally. Apart from improving blood circulation to the brain and inculcating a sense of humility by bowing down, this exercise, calms the mind and therefore relieves it from depression.

Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)

Uttanasana aims to relax your mind and your entire body. To perform this exercise, stand erect with your feet slightly apart, Bend your head and torso gradually forward till your head is dangling and touching your knees. Hold your shanks with your hands.

Close your eyes, breathe normally, and relax all the parts of your body in this position by releasing the tension in them slowly. This exercise activates and relaxes the energy center in your spinal cord, which is relaxed by the full stretching that is provided by this exercise.

Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose)

Viparita Karani is one of the most easily-performed exercises, as it simply requires one to rest his/her legs on the wall while lying down on a flat surface, which can be a bed. To perform this exercise, lie down on the floor or your bed, and rest your hips on the wall, with your legs stretched up on the wall.

Remain in this position for 10 seconds or for 10 breaths. This exercise will relax your spine and release the lactic acid in your tired feet, while improving blood circulation of your brain, thus alleviating your depression in the process.

Marjariasana (Cat Pose)

Marjariasana resembles a cat while stretching its spine with its tummy drawn in. To perform this asana, stand on your knees and hands. Gently bend your tailbone, and spine downwards and then bend them inwards and upwards with your head drawn inwards.

Relax in this pose for 10-30 seconds. This exercise is good for all-round relaxation of the spine. It also makes you aware of your breathing, thus calming up your entire body. This exercise is recommended for treating depression and anxiety.

Padmasana (Lotus Pose)

Padmasana is the one of the best yoga exercises to combat depression and anxiety. It is a simple exercise to perform. Sit cross-legged with each foot resting on the thigh of the opposite leg. If this is not possible, simply sit cross-legged, close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing.

Breathe in and breathe out slowly focusing fully on your breath. You will immediately feel a calming effect on your mind as your body goes into a relaxed pace of breathing. Repeat this exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.