There’s a clear link between happiness and regular yoga practice.
It’s not about twisting your body into impossible poses.
It’s about finding peace within yourself and embracing the calmness yoga brings.
Happy people have gotten this down to a science.
They’ve discovered a few yoga techniques that consistently lift their moods and keep them vibrant.
In this article, I will share these 8 yoga techniques that happy people use to enhance their joy.
1) Mindful breathing
It’s no surprise that breathing plays a critical role in yoga.
But it’s not about just inhaling and exhaling.
It’s about being fully present with each breath taken and released.
Happy people know the power of mindful breathing.
It’s their secret weapon to combat stress and anxiety, which are common mood killers.
Mindful breathing is a technique where you focus on the rhythm of your breath, allowing it to slow down your heart rate and calm your mind.
It’s a simple yet effective way to lift your mood instantly.
And the best part?
You can practice it anytime, anywhere.
So next time you’re feeling low, take a few deep, mindful breaths.
Feel the air fill your lungs and then gently leave your body.
Do this for a few minutes, and you might just find your mood lifting.
2) Sun salutations
As a yoga practitioner myself, I can’t start my day without a series of sun salutations.
Sun salutations, or Surya Namaskar in Sanskrit, are a sequence of 12 powerful yoga poses.
They’re not just physical exercises; they’re a form of expressing gratitude to the sun for sustaining life on this planet.
I find that this ritual sets a positive tone for my day.
It’s like a morning coffee for my soul, helping me shake off any residual sleepiness or negativity.
On the days I miss it, I notice a significant difference in my energy levels and mood.
It’s as if I’ve missed out on a vital part of my morning routine.
Now, I’m not saying you need to become an early bird and greet the sun at dawn (though that’s the traditional way) to reap the benefits of sun salutations.
The beauty of this practice is that it can be done at any time of the day.
3) Child’s pose
Child’s pose, or Balasana, is a restorative yoga pose that’s often used as a resting position in between more challenging poses.
But this simple pose is more than a pit stop.
It’s a posture that promotes relaxation and helps to release tension in the back, shoulders, and chest – areas where we often hold stress.
Interestingly, the name of this pose comes from its resemblance to the position fetuses adopt in the womb.
This connection to the earliest stage of life is believed to induce feelings of safety and comfort, which can be incredibly soothing for the mind.
Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, try sinking into Child’s pose.
Let your forehead rest on the mat and your body relax.
You might just find a sense of calm seeping into your mood.
4) Warrior poses
Warrior poses, or Virabhadrasana in Sanskrit, are a set of powerful standing poses that awaken the inner strength and courage within us.
There are three main warrior poses – Warrior I, Warrior II, and Warrior III.
Each one works to stretch and strengthen different parts of the body while challenging your balance and focus.
But it’s not just a physical challenge.
The warrior poses are named after a mythical Hindu warrior, Virabhadra, symbolizing spiritual strength and power.
Practicing these poses regularly can help build confidence, resilience, and a sense of empowerment – all of which contribute to a happier mood.
5) Tree pose
Balance is a key aspect of yoga, both physically and mentally.
And no pose embodies this better than the Tree pose or Vrksasana.
In this standing pose, you balance on one foot while the other rests on your standing leg, with hands typically in prayer position at your heart.
The Tree pose may seem simple, but it requires concentration and balance.
It’s a practice that encourages focus, patience, and inner calm.
Happy people often include this pose in their yoga routine as it serves as a reminder to stay grounded yet flexible in life’s ups and downs, much like a tree swaying in the wind.
6) Heart-opening poses
Opening up our hearts can be a daunting task, both emotionally and physically.
But heart-opening poses in yoga, like the Cobra pose or Bridge pose, help us do just that.
These poses open up the chest, stretch the muscles around the heart, and encourage deep breathing.
They’re a beautiful way to release tension and invite joy and compassion into our lives.
It’s a transformative experience to let go of what’s holding us back and open ourselves up to happiness.
In my own practice, I’ve found these poses to be powerful mood boosters.
Next time you’re on the mat, try incorporating some heart-opening poses into your routine.
As you stretch and breathe into these positions, imagine letting go of any negativity and making space for positivity and joy.
7) Savasana
Savasana, or Corpse pose, is often saved for the end of a yoga practice.
It’s a pose of total relaxation, where you lie flat on your back, close your eyes, and let go of all physical effort.
Despite its simplicity, Savasana can be one of the most challenging poses.
In our fast-paced world where we’re constantly on the move, taking the time to be still and silent can feel strange, even uncomfortable.
I’ve struggled with this myself.
My mind would often wander, and I’d find myself thinking about my to-do list instead of focusing on relaxation.
But with consistent practice, I’ve learned to embrace the stillness Savasana offers.
It has become a sacred time for me to check in with myself and reflect on my practice.
8) Meditation
While not a pose, meditation is a powerful practice often paired with yoga.
It’s a mental exercise that involves focusing your mind and eliminating the stream of thoughts that may be crowding your mind and affecting your mood.
Meditation has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
It increases awareness of yourself and your surroundings, promotes emotional health and enhances self-discipline.
Incorporating meditation into your yoga routine can provide a holistic approach to mood elevation.
It’s not just about moving and stretching the body, but also calming and focusing the mind.
So, whether it’s for a few minutes or an hour, try to find some time to sit in silence and meditate.
Consistency is key
When it comes to yoga and mood enhancement, there’s one crucial thing to remember: consistency is key.
Yoga is not a quick fix.
It’s a lifelong journey of self-discovery and self-improvement.
The more you practice, the more benefits you’ll reap – not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well.
So, don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results.
Stick with it, make it a regular part of your routine, and over time, you’ll start to notice a shift in your mood and overall happiness.
Remember: every journey begins with a single step.
So step onto your mat, start practicing these yoga techniques, and let them lift your mood and guide you towards a happier life.
