When practicing yoga for depression, it’s important to focus on gentle and grounding poses that promote relaxation and mind-body connection. Some yoga poses that are often recommended for individuals with depression include:
Child’s Pose (Balasana): Kneel on the floor, sit back on your heels, and fold forward, resting your forehead on the mat. Stretch your arms forward or alongside your body. This pose promotes relaxation and can help release tension in the back and shoulders.
Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana): Stand with your feet hip-width apart, hinge forward from your hips, and allow your upper body to hang over your legs. You can bend your knees slightly if needed. This pose helps release tension, calm the mind, and stimulate blood circulation.
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart. Press your feet into the ground, lift your hips, and interlace your hands beneath your lower back. This pose helps open the chest, release tension in the back, and promotes feelings of grounding and stability.
Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani): Sit sideways next to a wall and swing your legs up the wall as you lie down on your back. Your hips should be close to the wall, and your legs can be straight or slightly bent. Relax your arms by your sides. This gentle inversion pose helps reduce anxiety, calm the nervous system, and improve blood circulation.
Corpse Pose (Savasana): Lie flat on your back, close your eyes, and let your body relax completely. Focus on your breath and allow your mind and body to let go of tension and stress. Savasana is often practiced at the end of a yoga session to promote deep relaxation and restore energy.
Remember to listen to your body and modify or skip any poses that may feel uncomfortable or strain your body. It’s also a good idea to consult with a qualified yoga instructor who can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs and limitations.