How Does Yoga Help In Keeping You Happy

What is happiness? 

In simple words, it's a mental state of well-being that is defined by positive emotions! 

What is yoga? 

Yoga is a practice that unifies the mind, body and soul, creating a positive impact on the physical and mental health of a person. 

It is impossible to separate the aspect of happiness from the lifestyle of yoga. Yoga creates a state of wellbeing both physically and mentally, directly affecting the happiness of the practitioner, not just that, it also helps one feel calmer, more mindful, self-aware and peaceful. 

Yoga is more than just an hour’s practice, it is a lifestyle that gives one overall wellness. Adapting this lifestyle has only one side-effect and that is a life filled with happiness & positivity! Here are a few poses which you must try to feel happiness coursing through your veins, keeping you strong and motivated towards your goals in life.

Here are a few poses yoga instructor, Sarvesh Shashi, has listed:

The Goddess Pose

Image courtesy: verywellfit.com

Get ready to channel the inner goddess in you while practising this asana. The goddess pose, also known as Fiery Angle Pose or Utkata Konasana, helps you connect with your inner goddess and harmonize with your inner power.

Here's how you practice the pose:

• Start with the Tadasana position, widen your legs apart with your toes facing outwards.
• On an exhale, deep bend your knees performing a squat, with your thighs aligned to the floor.
• Extend your arms over the shoulder, don't forget to focus on your breath while practising this pose.
• Keep your core engaged by drawing your lower ribs in towards your body, keep your shoulders aligned with your hips.
• Remain in this pose for about 5 breaths.

To come out of the pose, extend your legs, lower your arms and come back into the Tadasana position.

The goddess pose is helpful in toning and strengthening your core muscles, it relieves stress and energizes the body. It gives you a real sense of well-being and is also helpful to counter menstrual cramps and pains. 

Cat-Cow Pose

This pose is also known as 'Marjariasana'.

Here's how you do it:

• Start in the tabletop position with your wrists aligned with your shoulders.
• Make sure your fingers are pointing forward, with your feet resting on the ground, the shoelace side facing down.
• Start with the cow stretch - with a deep inhale push your belly towards the floor raising your gaze towards the third eye.
• Now gently exhale, swiftly moving in the cat pose by pushing your belly towards the spine, allowing your chin to rest on your chest. 

Continue this coordinated movement aiming at 5-10 seconds of inhalation and exhalation. 

The benefits this asana holds are: it releases the tensions in the back and neck, helping you become more flexible. This simple asana is very powerful for the mind as it enhances coordination and focus. It also helps relieve stress.

The Dancer Pose

Image courtesy: verywellfit.com

Also known as the Natarajasana, the dancer pose is an excellent combination of flexibility, balance, and strength.

Here's how you can go about and practice this asana:

• Stand in the Tadasana position, after a deep inhale, shift your weight to your right foot and lift the left foot backwards, bending your knee, with your left hand grasping the ankle or left foot.
• Extend your left foot and stretch your right arm parallel to the floor. 
• Stay in this pose for about 20-30 seconds.
• To come out of this pose, release the grasp and place your left foot on the ground, repeat the same on the right side.
• This pose ensures a complete mind and body coordination while enhancing the balance and flexibility, it also stretches and strengthens your body. 

You can also try the Happy baby pose and Warrior pose to enhance your practice.

Yoga ensures a calm, relaxed and energized mind which in turn helps you live a happier life! 

Do consult a yoga instructor before practising these asanas to ensure a safe yoga practice.