Yoga For Depression – III
 Asanas to help you deal with your emotional state
 
Depression makes one lethargic and brings life to a halt, mentally as well as physically. Therefore, any standing posture breaks this link and forces the person to face the problems rather than being in a state of denial.

Cautions: Those with weak knees should practice Exercise 2 for short periods and gradually increase the time. Those with back pain and weak knees should avoid step 4 in Exercise 3. Those with heart problems and high blood pressure should not attempt Exercise 3. Those with severe arthritis of the knee joints or those who have had a knee surgery should consult their doctor before attempting Exercise 4.

Exercise 1

• Stand with your legs stretched apart. Stretch out your arms and raise yourself on your toes

• Inhale, raise your arms and join both the palms

• Stretch your whole body upwards

• Hold the position for 10-30 seconds.

 

Exercise 2

Exercise 2

• Stand straight with your legs together

• Bend one leg and bring the foot to rest on the inner thigh, close to the groin

• Maintain balance by focusing on a point in front of you and raise your arms to the sides

• Raise your arms, keep your body straight and join your palms

• Hold the position for 10-30 seconds

• Repeat with the other leg.

Exercise 3

 

Exercise 3

• Stand straight with your legs wide apart and place your hands on your hips

• Turn one leg and the upper body to one side and bend the front knee, as shown

• Raise your arms over your head and place your palms together

• Lower the hips and bend backwards as much as you can. Look up

• Hold the position for 10-30 seconds

• Repeat with the other leg.

Exercise 4

 

Exercise 4

• Stand with your legs apart a little more than the shoulder width

• Place your hands on your thighs and bend your knees

• Raise your heels as much as possible and stand on your toes

• Raise your hands over your head and pull your upper body as high as possible

• Hold the position for 10-30 seconds, breathing normally

• Return to the starting position and relax.