Child's pose to adho mukh asana, 7 yoga poses to reduce winter lethargy

Yoga is an ancient fitness practice and discipline that many swear by. Researchers of Harvard Health Publishing claim that people who practice yoga are more mindful eaters and stay healthy and fit. Practicing yoga can help your body feel better and drive the lethargy away that affects people the most during winter. 

Here are 7 yoga poses to reduce fatigue

Child's pose

Also known as balasana, this pose can help increase energy levels and relieve fatigue. It relaxes muscles and calms the body.

1. Kneel on the floor or a yoga mat.
    
2. Rest your buttocks against your heels.
    
3. Touch your big toes together.
    
4. Lean forward.
    
5. Rest your forehead on the floor.
    
6. Extend your arms forward or rest them alongside you.
    
7. Relax your face and jaw.
    
8. Inhale and exhale slowly and deeply for at least eight breaths.

Downward-facing dog adho mukh asana

This pose stretches the hamstrings, calves and achilles tendons. It can also relieve pressure on the head and support blood flow.

1. Place your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet hip-width apart
    
2. Press your hands into the ground
    
3. Widen your shoulder blades
    
4. Keep your neck lengthened by touching your ears to your inner arms
    
5. Press the base of your index fingers into the mat
    
6. Lift along your inner arms from your wrists to your shoulders
    
7. Firm your shoulder blades against your back
    
8. Stay in the pose for 10 or more breaths

Cobra pose

Also known as Bhujangasana, this pose can relieve lower back pain and boost energy. It stretches the shoulders and opens the chest.

1. Lie down flat on your abdomen, in the relaxation posture. 
    
2. Slowly bring your legs close together.
    
3. Move your arms so that they are folded at the elbow and your palms are close to your shoulders.
    
4. Raise your elbows off the floor slightly. 
    
5. Raise your torso from the ground.

Bound angle pose
 

It is also known as the butterfly pose or Bhadrasana. This pose stretches the hips, inner thighs, and knees. It can also increase flexibility and relax the body. Here's how to do this.

1. Lie on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat.
    
2. Keep your soles together.
    
3. Open your legs like a butterfly.
    
4. Keep your knees close to the floor.
    
5. Hold the stretch for 5–10 breaths.
    
6. Return to the starting position.

Dhanurasana
 

This asana is also known as the bow pose because this pose can help detoxify the body. It increases blood circulation in the face and pelvic region.

1. Lie down flat on your abdomen.
    
2. Ensure that your forehead is placed against the floor and that your legs are close together.
    
3. Bend your legs at the knees and bring your feet up behind you.
    
4. Stretch your arms backward and grasp your ankles.
    
5. Inhale.
    
6. Your body should be arching upwards now.

Cat/cow pose

This pose moves the spine through a range of motion also known as Marjaryasana – Bitilasana. 
 

1. Keep your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees directly below your hips. 
    
2. Inhale deeply while curving your lower back and bringing your head up, tilting your pelvis up like a "cow." 
    
3. Exhale deeply and bring your abdomen in, arching your spine and bringing your head and pelvis down like a "cat." 
    
4. Repeat several times

Camel pose

Also known as Ustrasana, this pose can energize the body. It stretches the back and stimulates the nervous system and spine.

1. Stand on your knees. Keep the thighs fully straight.
    
2. Lean in the backward direction.
    
3. Push the hips in the forward direction. 
    
4. Then bend the head and the spine as backward and as far as possible without straining.
    
5. Relax the body and the muscles of the back.