6 Yoga Poses that Will Instantly Improve Your Mood

Written by
Stephanie Main
Life is hard. There’s no denying it. On the days we are happy and content, the world feels simple and life moves forward effortlessly. But on the days we feel sad, depressed or overwhelmed, it can feel like a day-to-day slog. And it’s in those moments that we need a little extra help.

Yoga can provide you with immediate support and sanctuary during life's most challenging times. It gives you a break from your to-do list, emails and endless errands, and it will help you regroup and reset your body and mind.

Each of these six yoga poses will help your body relax and your mind find peace. Also, the simplicity of each posture means that they are always available to you.

Give yourself time in each pose to process the physical and mental sensations. Turn your focus to your breath as you breathe through your nose, slowly.
You're Feeling: Unhappy
Try: Happy Baby
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Lie on your back and bring your knees to your chest. Inhale deeply through your nose and sigh it out. Grab the outside edges of your feet. Stack your feet over your knees as you draw them down. Draw your tailbone down towards the floor. Hold here for a few slow breaths and then begin to play.

Rock back and forth or straighten the legs. And remember, it's called happy baby for a reason.
You're Feeling: Sad
Try: Child's Pose
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Sit on your shins with your big toes touching and your knees apart. Bring your palms to the floor and walk them forward until they are fully extended out in front. Allow your forehead to rest on the floor. If it doesn't touch, make a pillow with the palms.

During each exhale, relax your shoulders, hips, jaw and neck. Rest here for as long as it feels comfortable.
You're Feeling: Depressed
Try: Downward Facing Dog
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Start on your hands and knees. Tuck your toes under and lift your hips. As you press through your palms, lift your hips and draw your heels down. Take a big breath in through your nose and sigh it out.

Let this pose energize you from the inside out. Hold the pose for 20 seconds and then repeat two to three more times.
You're Feeling: Anxious
Try: Savasana
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Find a comfortable seated position; one where you can sit up tall. Close your eyes and breathe slowly in and out through your nose to a slow count of five.

Cycle through this pattern of breathing for 20 cycles or until you feel calm and relaxed.
You're Feeling: Overwhelmed
Try: Legs Up the Wall
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Lie on the floor with your legs up the wall. Bring your hips as close to the wall as comfortable. Let this restorative pose lead you towards a few moments of surrender. Close your eyes and just breathe.
You're Feeling: Sluggish
Try: Standing Forward Fold
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Stand with your feet hip-distance apart. Fold forward and let your torso hang. Grab opposite elbows and relax your neck. Sway your torso side to side. Allow this pose to energize your body and relax your mind.

Hold for 15 seconds and then stand. Repeat two to three more times.
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