Yoga Poses That Fight Anxiety and Build Confidence

Every morning, I wake up with the same thought: Today, I'm going to make some time to move my body. It's a gentle reminder that starts my day - and it's good for me. Exercising tones my muscles and gives me energy, but it's also essential for my mental health. So often, when we're feeling busy and stressed, our workouts are the first to be sacrificed in the name of a growing "list of things to do." But that's totally counter intuitive. We need exercise more than ever when we're feeling anxious or lacking self confidence. Whether you're out for a walk or putting in some time on the weight machines, moving your body releases chemicals that boost your mood, improve your focus, and give you the strength you need to make it through the next challenge. While any exercise can give you some of these benefits, yoga, with its attention to detail and powerful, strength based poses, is ideal. Here are a few of my favorite moves to work into my stretching and strength routines.

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Moving through a Warrior Series can feel so empowering. The position above engages my quads, my core, and my arms. I've added in a slight elevation on my forward leg to create added resistance. Just be careful to watch the position of your knee. 

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This pose tilts your head to the sky and makes you feel like you can accomplish anything. The key to using yoga moves effectively is to focus on identifying strong and weak muscles. Take everything slow. Choose a few of your favorite poses and really let yourself sink into them. You should spend a minute focusing on your breathing, then another minute really allowing yourself to stretch out - to get the most you can from each muscle engaged by the pose. Yoga, unlike our fast-paced lives, isn't about speed. It's about strength, flexibility, and balance - several things that you need in order to feel like you're in control of your day. 

Whatever poses you choose to work into your routine, make them ones that you enjoy. Take the chance to slow down, be attuned to your body, and access that place of calm and happiness that can be found when you give your body and a chance to show you how strong you are.