Exams are over! Summer has started! The International Day of Yoga is here!
Yoga is an ancient practice originating from the wisdom of the Hindu sages, which aims to enable mankind to unlock it’s inner potential, by developing mentally, physically and spiritually.
So NHSF (UK) brings you 3 Yoga postures that every student should try on the International Day of Yoga (and beyond):
- Virbhadrasana – The Warrior Pose
Named after the fierce warrior and incarnation of Shiva, Virbhadra, this posture is a posture of strength and vitality. A challenging pose to stay in for longer periods of time, it has many benefits.
How to do it:
- Stand with legs 3-4 ft apart.
- Turn your right foot 90 degrees outwards and slowly lift both arms side wards until they are parallel to the ground. Make sure the palms of your hands are facing upwards. Inhale whilst doing this.
- Slowly exhale and bend your right leg at the knee, until a 90 degrees angle forms at the knee and your right thigh is parallel to the ground. Make sure to keep your upper body upright and arms parallel to the ground. Whilst doing this turn your head to look at the tip of your right hand and keep your attention focused there.
- Hold this posture for as long as you can.
- Slowly inhale and come out of the posture by straightening your right leg and turn your head back. Then exhale, slowly lower your arms and bring them down by your side. Turn your right foot back inwards.
- Repeat on left side. Then relax!
Why Virabhadrasana?
- Improves stamina
- Strengthens and tones legs, arms and abs.
- Relieves stress.
- Bring courage, strength and vitality.
- Improves focus.
- Improves balance in the body.
- Vrikshasana- The Tree Pose
This posture is all about mental and physical balance. It’s a posture that has ample mental and physical benefits.
How to do it:
- Stand tall with feet together and arms by the side of your body.
- Bend your right knee and place the sole of your right foot up against your right thigh. The sole should be placed flat and as high up the thigh as possible. Your leg should point perpendicular to the direction you are facing. Left leg should be straight.
- Once you have found your balance, take a deep breath in and raise your arms over your head from the side such that the palms of your hands are together in a Namaste position above your head. Stay balanced in the posture, ensure your entire body is taut and spine is straight. With each exhalation relax the body more.
- To come out of the pose, with slow exhalation slowly release your hands and from the side bring them down to your side. Gently release the right leg.
- Stand straight and repeat on left side. Then relax!
Why Vrikshasana?
- Balances mind and body.
- Improves focus and concentration.
- Strengthens and tones legs and opens hips.
- Stretches legs, back and arms.
- Leaves you feeling rejuvenated and invigorated.
- Sarvangasana- The Shoulder Stand
Sarvangasana is known as the “Queen of the asanas”. Sarva means all, and anga means limbs, and it is thought that sarvangasana is a posture, which has benefits for all limbs of the body.
- Lie on your back with your arms by your side.
- Slowly inhaling, raise your legs to 45 degrees, then to 90 degrees, and then to 135 degrees from the ground.
- Supporting your back with your hands gently raise your upper back off the ground, ensuring your back is supported. Your torso and legs should be in a straight line, perpendicular to the ground. Keep balanced and stay in this position. Focus on your breathing.
- To come out of the posture, gently lower your upper back to the ground, supporting your back all the way.
- Bring your legs to 135 degrees to the ground. Slowly bring your legs to 90 degrees to the ground and whilst doing so release your hands and place them by your side. Bring your legs now to 45 degrees, and then slowly back to the ground. Do this all whilst slowly exhaling.
- Ensure that your lie down for a few minutes before standing up after doing sarvangasana.
Why Sarvangasana?
- Nourishes the brain with more blood flow. This is a key reason why sarvangasana is regarded so highly.
- Improves balance.
- Improves focus and concentration.
- Strengthens arms and shoulders and keeps spine flexible.
- Stretches heart muscles by returning more venous blood to the heart.
So there we have it – 3 postures for every student to try on International Yoga Day. Give them a go today and beyond, and you’ll definitely see a difference!