Yoga is a powerful ally in the effort to heighten and sustain energy levels throughout the day. According to a study published in "Psycho-Oncology," even post-treatment cancer survivors who regularly practice yoga show an improvement in energy. Yoga provides a quick, caffeine-free boost that costs nothing and can be done virtually anywhere--at home, at the office, even in the car.
Benefits
Low energy can be the result of lack of sleep, but it can also stem from shallow breathing, poor nutrition, stress, and underlying health issues. Yoga is a holistic practice, and as such, can treat different causes of fatigue, whether physical or emotional, simultaneously.
Breath
Breathing is a vital component of yoga and helps to enhance energy when done in conjunction with the poses. Yoga breathing can also be done on its own as a pick-me-up when short on time, space, or privacy. The simple act of thoroughly oxygenating your blood stimulates energy flow. The Breath of Fire is a shallow breath. Sit with your spine straight and drop your chin down an inch to align the head and spine. Rapidly sniff in and out, with equal emphasis on the inhalation and exhalation, keeping the breath at the tip of your nose. The Ujjayi breath is a deeper, diaphragmatic breath. Slightly lift the roof of your mouth as you inhale through your nose and push your diaphragm down as you exhale, also through your nose.
Energizing Poses
Begin the Downward Dog pose standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend forward from the hips and place your hands on the floor in front of you, shoulder width apart, fingers facing forward. Slowly and gently push your hips up and back as you straighten your spine. Hold the pose for five Ujjayi breaths as you gently press your heels toward the floor.
The Warrior I pose begins with a forward lunge. Turn your back foot out at a 45 degree angle as you stretch both arms overhead. Square your pelvis and join your palms overhead. Hold the pose for five Ujjayi Breaths. Warrior II can be reached immediately from Warrior I. Maintain your lunge as you bring both arms down to shoulder level. Stretch one arm in front of you as you draw the other behind and point in opposite directions, palms down. Hold the pose for five Ujjayi breaths.
Energy Foods
Yoga is best done on an empty stomach. However, once you have completed the poses, there are several yoga inspired foods that can help to maintain your energy. Dates, figs, and almonds are all excellent choices. Fast food, junk food, and leftovers tend to induce lethargy, so avoid them if you are feeling sluggish.
Warnings
Yoga poses must be done slowly and with concentration to avoid injury through loss of balance or over-stretching. Yoga breathing can sometimes induce dizziness, so make sure you substitute the Breath of Fire and the Ujjayi breaths with deep, regular breaths.
References
- Yoga Journal
- Yoga Basics
- "Psycho-Oncology, 18: 360--368"; Restorative yoga for women with breast cancer: findings from a randomized pilot study; Danhauer, S. C., Mihalko, S. L., Russell, G. B., Campbell, C. R., Felder, L., Daley, K. and Levine, E. A.; February 2009
- Yoga Basics
- Yoga Journal
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