9 yoga poses to beat winter blues and feel energized | XpertsReviews.com

Winter often brings a mix of pleasant moments and unexpected mood swings. Shorter days, longer nights, and colder temperatures can make you feel slower, unmotivated, or just not like yourself. Many people suffer from the winter blues because sunlight diminishes, routines change, and the body naturally becomes slower. If you’re wondering how to get rid of it, gentle yoga poses can help you feel lighter, both mentally and physically. Certain mindful movements can improve blood circulation, relax tense muscles and calm your mind. With regular practice, yoga can improve your mood, reduce stress, and help you feel more energetic throughout the winter.

Yoga Poses for the Winter Blues

9 yoga poses to relieve stress and improve your mood this winter:

1. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)

This heart opening pose improves blood circulation and reduces stiffness in the chest and spine. It also helps combat winter slump, improve breathing and improve mood by releasing tension. How to do this pose:

• Lie on your stomach with your palms under your shoulders.
• Keep your elbows close to your body.
• Inhale and gently lift your chest off the floor.
• Keep your shoulders relaxed and look forward.
• Hold for a few breaths, then slowly release.

2. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

Bridge pose stimulates the back, glutes, and legs while opening the chest, helping to reduce stress and fatigue. Himalayan yoga expert Siddhaa Akshar says it also promotes better posture, which improves mood and energy flow. How to do this pose:

• Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet hip-width apart.
• Place your arms next to your body.
• Press your feet on the floor and lift your hips.
• Keep your upper body tense and your thighs parallel.
• Hold, then gently lower.

3. Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana)

This fun pose relieves lower back pain and releases tension in the hips. It triggers a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce mild anxiety or irritability common in winter. How to do this pose:

• Lie on your back and bend your knees toward your chest.
• Hold the outer edges of your feet.
• Stretch your knees slightly wider than your torso.
• Rock gently from side to side.
• Take a deep breath and relax.

4. Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

This pose stimulates circulation and stretches the hamstrings, back and shoulders. It increases alertness and helps get rid of lethargy. How to do this pose:

• Start on all fours.
• Lift hips upward to form an inverted V shape.
• Gently press your heels toward the floor.
• Keep your spine long and your shoulders relaxed.
• Hold for 5 to 7 breaths.

5. Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)

This pose builds strength and confidence, ideal for beating the winter slump. Akshar notes that such standing postures promote mental clarity and emotional stability. How to do this pose:

• Stand with your feet wide apart.
• Turn your right foot and bend your right knee.
• Extend your arms parallel to the floor.
• Look at your right hand.
• Hold, then switch sides.

6. Fish pose (Matsyasana)

This pose stretches the chest and throat, improving breathing and reducing fatigue. It can help improve emotional well-being by stimulating the nervous system. How to do this pose:

• Lie on your back with your legs extended.
• Place your hands under your hips.
• Lift your chest while arching your upper back.
• Gently lower your head back.
• Hold, then slowly release.

7. Camel pose (Ustrasana)

“This deep bend increases energy and reduces emotional stress. It is particularly effective for improving posture and boosting blood circulation, especially during the winter months,” says Akshar. How to do this pose:

• Kneel with your knees hip-width apart.
• Place your hands on your lower back.
• Lean back and open your chest.
• Reach for your heels if you are comfortable.
• Hold and breathe slowly.

8. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)

A balanced posture that calms the mind, improves concentration and reduces stress. This is a great pose to feel centered on days when brain fog is wearing you down. How to do this pose:

• Stand straight and shift your weight to one foot.
• Place the other foot on your calf or thigh.
• Place your palms together on your chest.
• Keep your gaze fixed.
• Hold, then switch sides.

9. Child’s Pose (Balasana)

A gentle, restorative pose that soothes the mind and relaxes the entire body. It releases tension in the lower back and promotes deep breathing, making it ideal for calming stress. How to do this pose:

• Kneel and sit back on your heels.
• Lower your torso forward.
• Extend your arms out in front of you or keep them at your side.
• Place your forehead on the mat.
• Take a deep breath and relax.

With these yoga poses, you will be able to manage stress and stay energetic!