Yoga is an ancient system for creating harmony between body, mind and spirit.
It is an excellent way to deal with chronic tiredness, which is often a symptom of imbalance in at least one of these areas.
Yoga works to increase energy in a few ways. First, it helps to circulate energizing oxygen throughout the body by focusing on breathing properly and more deeply.
There are dozens of breathing techniques and exercises used in yoga, and many of them work directly to bring more energy to the body.
As you become a more seasoned yogi (practitioner of yoga), you will be in better overall shape, which will also give you a steadier and more lasting supply of energy.
Below is an overview of how to use yoga to increase your energy. If you are already familiar with the practice of yoga, you will probably recognize these exercises.
If you’re not familiar with the poses, or if you are new to yoga, you will want to find a teacher that can help you build a practice to improve your energy level. Most yoga teachers can tailor a practice to your individual needs.
Flow Yoga for Energy
One style of yoga, known as vinyasa, involves sequences of exercises that flow from one posture to the next. This helps build strength and stamina because it keeps your body moving and increases endorphins, the chemicals in the body that give you energy.
One example of a vinyasa sequence is sun salutation. There are different variations of this vinyasa, but in general it includes postures in which you will lift your arms, bend forward, do lunges and engage in plank pose, which is something like a push-up.
As you can see from the description how doing sets of sun salutations can boost your energy level
Poses That Build Strength
With a regular yoga practice, you will also improve your overall energy by building muscle. There are many yoga postures that are held for longer periods of time to build stamina and strength.
When you do these poses, you basically use your body’s own resistance as a tool for strength training.
Plank pose, downward-facing dog pose, warrior and chair pose can all be held for strength-building. If you really want to build strength and muscle, you can take “power yoga” classes such as Bikram and Asthanga, which emphasize the strength-building aspect of yoga.
Yogic Breathing
There are several kinds of breathing techniques in yoga that will increase the flow of oxygen through the bloodstream and leave you feeling more alert and energized. One way to use yogic breathing to increase energy is to practice “breath of fire” which is a rapid diaphragmatic breathing technique.
You can also use “alternate nostril breathing” to improve the flow of energy throughout your body. As the name suggests, this breathing exercise is done by closing off one nostril at a time while breathing in, then out through the other.
Mudras to Increase Energy
Mudras are gestures that are believed to create energy. The specific mudras described below are said to be very helpful if you want to regain lost energy. Practice these three times each day for fifteen minutes and see how your energy improves.
Dawn Mudra
For dawn mudra (which should be done first thing in the morning before you get out of bed), lie on your back and clasp your hands together with your right thumb over your left thumb. Raise your arms above your head and press your hands together.
Then bring your hands behind your head and take a few deep breaths with your elbows back against the bed. While you do this, open your eyes and mouth at the same time. This will give you a nice wave of energy for the beginning of your day.
Earth Mudra
Earth mudra can be done in a traditional cross-legged position. Rest your hands on your knees with your palms facing upward. Touch the tip of your thumbs to the base of your ring finger and stretch the other fingers out. Relax and breathe deeply while holding this mudra.
Sky Mudra
Sky mudra involves pressing all but your pointer fingers together. Your pointer fingers should extend straight out. Hug your upper arms into your body and extend your forearms up. Relax and breathe deeply.
Purifying Mudra
This one is similar to sky mudra, except that your pinkie finger should be the one extended on your right hand instead of your pointer finger. Yogis believe that this mudra has the power to detoxify and energize both the body and the mind.
Yoga is just one of the many techniques you can use successfully to increase your energy and stop feeling tired.
For more ideas of what you can do to end tiredness, read the entire “End Tiredness Program” ebook.
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