Take care of your body during winter. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock
The best way to combat the cold is to snuggle deep into our cosy blankets and keep the body warm. However, this can make you have all-day drowsiness and fatigue. Sedentary behaviour like this over time may even exacerbate other troubles such as joint pain. So, if it’s about keeping your body warm, there are several other preventive measures that you can opt for. Yoga, fortunately, can rescue you.
Yoga asanas to keep the body warm
Your body’s ability to fight off virus and illnesses may be hampered by cold weather. However, you may help yourself stay healthy during winter by keeping your body warm. And the best solution for that is yoga.
To explore somet yoga poses to keep the body warm and strong during winter, HealthShots spoke to Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Founder, Akshar Yoga Research and Development Centre, who listed down a few asanas to stay fit.
Yoga can maintain temperature changes in your body. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
“Practicing yoga every morning helps keep your mind and body active because it elevates your heart rate and core temperature, which expands blood vessels and improves circulation in your muscles—a definite win when muscles are stiffer in the colder months. This can keep you warm and strong,” explains Akshar.
Here are 5 yoga poses to beat the cold weather:
1. Hasta uttanasana (Raised arms pose)
Here’s how to perform this pose:
Holding the pose of Pranamasan, extend upwards while lifting your joint palms above your head.
With your head, neck, and upper back, make a little arch.
Make sure your arms are close to your ears as you lean your upper body back.
While lying on your back, raise your legs 90 degrees by contracting your abdominal muscles.
Press your palms firmly into the ground and let your legs fall back behind your head while allowing your lower back and middle back to lift off the floor such that your toes may touch the floor behind you.
If it makes you more comfortable, you can support your back by bending your arms at the elbows while keeping your hands flat on the floor.
Remain in the position for a few breaths.
Halasana can help you stay warm throughout the day. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
5. Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)
Here’s how to perform this pose:
Lie flat on your stomach with your palms under your shoulders, keeping your feet together and your toes on the ground.
Take a deep breath in (Purak), hold it for a few seconds (Kumbakh), and then raise your head, shoulders, and body at a 30-degree angle.
Make sure your head is slightly pushed upward, your shoulders are broad, and your navel remains firmly planted on the floor.
Applying pressure to your toes can open the channels that lead to your lower back, the Sun (right), and Moon (left).
Start your yoga practice early in the day. Early yoga practice can make you quite active and move your entire body. Make sure to end your practice in Savasana (Corpse Pose) and include some breathing exercises or meditation time in your schedule.
Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we are committed to providing accurate, reliable, and authentic information to support your health and well-being. However, the content on this website is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised advice regarding your specific medical condition or concerns.
Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information.