Improve Your Mood With a Yoga Pose

Program Description
Yoga doesn't just increase flexibility. Certain poses can lift mild depression. Next time you feel blue, try this version of Reclining Bound Angle Pose, a gentle heart-opening asana. It will stretch your inner thigh and groin muscles, stimulate your abdominal organs, relieve PMS and menopause symptoms--and elevate your mood. However, if you have a groin, knee or lower back injury, modify this pose for greater comfort and to reduce the chance of further injury.

Actions

• Bring three bolsters or rolled-up yoga blankets to a serene space.
• Practice steady breathing throughout the pose, exhaling on moments of exertion.
• Sit on the floor.
• Place a bolster/blanket behind you, parallel to your spine.
• Place the other two next to your hips.
• Bring the soles of your feet together as close as possible to your groin.
• Place your knees on their respective bolsters/blankets.
• Lie back on the bolster/blanket behind you.
• Spread your arms, palms up, parallel to your knees.
• Stay in the pose for one to ten minutes.
• When ready to come out of the pose, press your knees together with your hands.
• Roll to the right side and use your hands to push yourself up.