Are you often finding it hard to stay focused and alert throughout the day? Need a quick pick-me-up without the caffeine?
Just a few minutes of yoga each day can give you that instant energy boost that gets you through the day.
Here are a few of our top energy-boosting yoga poses:
Tree Pose
This pose helps energy circulate throughout your body while opening your chest.
The tree pose also works to stretch your shoulders, torso and thighs while building strength in your calves and legs. And when it comes to boosting your energy, the tree pose will do that and more, including improving your focus and concentration.
Here’s how to do this foundational pose:
Step 1: Begin by standing with your feet together, inner ankles and knees touching.
Step 2: Bring your hands together at the center of your chest. Exhale deeply, focusing on the pose.
Step 3: Shift your weight onto your right foot, then bend your left knee and move it upwards. Keep your spine stretched, reach down and clasp your left ankle. Place the sole of your left foot on your inner right thigh.
Step 4: Stand tall, keeping your focus on the wall in front of you in a straight line.
Step 5: Press your left foot into your inner right thigh while pressing your right thigh into your foot to strength your core and improve your balance.
Step 6: If you feel balanced, raise your arms above your head with your palms together. Breathe and hold for 5-8 breaths.
Step 7: Release, slowing exhaling while bring your arms down. Release your legs.
Step 8: Repeat on the other side.
“Like a tree, extend your roots down and blossom your arms up towards the sun. The stronger the roots, the taller the tree.” - Baron Baptiste
Tip: If you struggle with the tree pose, consider bringing your arms out to the sides for additional stability.
You can also use a wall to practice, placing one free hand on the wall for support.
The Cobra Pose
This pose will open your chest and strengthen your core while giving you an instant energy boost.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Start by lying on your stomach, chin rested on the floor and your palms flat, tucked under your shoulders. Keep your legs together.
Step 2: Pull up your knees, squeezing your thighs and pressing your pubic bone down into the floor.
Step 3: Without using your arms for support, inhale and lift your chest and head from the floor. Make sure to keep your neck in line with your spine.
Step 4: Keeping your elbows close to your sides, press down into the palms of your hands using only your arms to lift you. Drop your shoulders down and back while pressing your chest forward.
Step 5: Breathe and hole for 3-5 breaths.
Step 6: Release, exhaling and lowering your chest and head to the floor slowly and evenly.
And here’s one more to help re-energize you!
The Locust Pose
This is a core pose so you’ll want to learn it early so you can incorporate it into your daily routine.
The locust pose strengthens your legs and tones your body while helping to stretch your lower back.
Step 1: Begin by lying on your stomach, chin on the floor and your legs and arms placed alongside your body. Keep your palms facing down.
Step 2: Pull up your knees, squeezing your buttocks and thighs as you pull and press your pubic bone down to the floor like you did with the cobra pose.
Step 3: Inhale deeply, lifting your legs, chest, head and arms from the floor. Reach out, keeping your neck in line with your spine.
Step 4: Drop your shoulders down, and press your chest forward slowly. Keep your buttocks and legs strong.
Step 5: Breathe and hold for 2-5 breaths.
Step 6: Release, exhaling slowing, lowering your head, arms, legs and chest to the floor.
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