Yoga for a good mood and more joy in life

It's not uncommon to find yourself in a bad mood in everyday life. It often passes within a few minutes or hours. However, if it persists longer, it's difficult to cope with. There are various tips and tricks to alleviate this depressive mood. The more severe the condition, the more caution is required. If you have mental health issues, you should always consult a doctor; otherwise, simple yoga exercises can provide tremendous benefits. You'll find all the important information in this article.

Mood swings are normal – don’t panic

Perhaps you're one of those people who are repeatedly affected by such lows. We can reassure you: generally, bad moods, sadness, anger, or annoyance are completely normal and nothing to worry about. The only important thing is that you find a way to deal with them. It doesn't always help to hide in bed all day or to mistreat others around you.

Yoga can be a valuable resource in this context and provide new energy. The various asanas make many people happy and vital. Combined with your breathing, you can make a huge difference in your well-being, in your mind, and in your body.

Yoga and bad mood – the benefits

Exercise generally helps to get the system moving and eliminate energy blockages. Yoga, of course, is part of this. It's important that you accept all your feelings and don't suppress them.

Yoga is beneficial because you work with both breath and movement. Breathing is also integrated into each asana, resulting in a holistic effect.

Inversions , in which you lower your head (such as downward dog, etc.), are especially perfect for shifting your thoughts. Your blood flows better through your body, and your mood usually improves quickly. You'll also be able to look at various situations in your life that have been putting you in a negative mood from a different perspective.

Yoga helps you look at your life with renewed energy and more joy. Of course, the issues that make you feel bad won't all go away. Thanks to the more neutral attitude provided by yoga, you'll experience a different perspective and can therefore explore different approaches to solutions. The picture you have of your life will change.

Thanks to these effects, yoga is increasingly being offered in combination with conventional therapies.

Which exercises can help you?

To help you quickly increase your energy and bring your entire system into balance, we'll show you the best exercises. These are suitable for both beginners and professionals.

1. Warrior II

This position is very important for your well-being. It promotes clarity and presence in the present moment. The benefit is that you focus solely on the here and now. This eliminates many worries – which are often responsible for making you feel bad. It also strengthens your grounding and provides more courage.

For the exercise, stand upright with your right leg back and your right foot at a 90-degree angle. Your left leg remains forward and bends at a 90-degree angle. Keep your hips facing forward. Raise your arms forward and back, parallel to the floor. Stay here for a few breaths before changing positions.

2. Shoulder bridge

This exercise is great for opening your heart space and recharging your batteries. It also allows you to bring more energy into your heart chakra. This has a direct impact on your health and well-being. The pose can calm your mind and help release negative emotions.

Lie on your back on your yoga mat . Place your legs under your knees (approximately hip-width apart). Then push your pelvis upward. Clasp your hands underneath your back. Stay in this position for a few seconds. Breathing plays a key role; breathe in and out deeply. As you inhale, lift your pelvis; as you exhale, lower it.

3. Handstand/Headstand

Another exercise that is particularly valuable for depression or bad moods is the headstand or handstand, which you can easily do with a little practice.

For the headstand , place your head and hands on the floor to the left and right. Now try to move upwards with some momentum. Practice a few times – it will get better and better. The handstand requires even more practice. You should have sufficient arm strength to be able to perform this position well. Practicing against a wall can help. If you're unsure, you can ask a good friend for help.

This exercise directs all your blood flow to your head, helping you see situations from a different perspective. Ideally, you'll discover the positive aspects.

4. Cobra

The cobra pose can be practiced within a flowing sequence of movements. It helps you build self-confidence, be braver, and, above all, open your heart. This is especially important when you're feeling sad or lacking confidence.

For the cobra pose, lie on your stomach and place your arms to the left and right of your face. Now lift your upper body upwards and breathe deeply.

Regular practice – more well-being

You'll notice a change in your being when you practice them regularly. You'll no longer feel exhausted or overwhelmed by a bad mood. The more often you do the exercises, the better you'll feel. Ideally, you should combine the exercises with a short meditation on your comfortable cushion .

Have you ever practiced yoga when you were in a bad mood? Did it help you?