I've been practicing yoga for about 12 years, and the constant flow of the sequence has always brought me a sense of calm. In 2014, when I finally decided to train as a yoga teacher, I learned that all of the poses in the practice — whether simple or complex — benefit the body in such tremendous and different ways. Inversions in particular are known to provide the body with so many health benefits and help defy the daily weight of gravity on our bodies.
Check out these health benefits, and try out some inversions to reset your body at work, before a big test, or even while you're sitting around in your pjs!
1. Venous Return
Flipping upside down helps to bring fresh oxygenated blood to the brain, without asking the heart to pump so hard. Why not give your heart a break and let gravity do its 'thang! Stand with your legs spread a little wider than hips width apart, place your palms on the ground, and relax your head and neck. Reach the crown of your head toward the ground, and reap the benefits!
2. Squeeze the Lymphatic System
Inversions help strengthen our immune systems by moving lymph fluid through the body. This is crucial for removing toxins, and even helps to rid the body of extra fluid from the extremities. Try a handstand against the wall by placing your palms hips width apart, and kicking up one foot at a time. Make sure you're close enough to the wall so you don't over-arch your back. Enjoy the detox for 30-60 seconds if you can!
3. Calm Anxiety
It is no surprise that bringing fresh oxygenated blood to the brain helps us to feel refreshed and less anxious. I personally like to take breaks throughout the day and flip upside down to "reset" and calm my nerves. Ready for headstand? Start up against the wall if you're a newbie! Cradle your head with interlocked fingers, and make sure your forearms aren't too wide. Start to walk your feet up slowly from downward dog, until your can't walk in any further. When you're ready, bring one leg up at a time until you can balance in full headstand. Stay as long as you can for the best therapy!
Are these poses a little too advanced for you? Try a simple downward dog to reap all of the benefits on an inversion! (Grab a friend for a good chuckle, too!)
