If you ever (or always) feel a wave of fatigue and lethargy post-lunchtime, you are not alone! Feeling tired after having lunch is caused due to several reasons including your food choices, sleep quality and the fact that our blood sugar levels shoot after eating. On the bright side, the right set of yoga poses can help rejuvenate your energy, improve your digestion, and boost your concentration.
Yoga Poses That Help You Beat Lethargy Post Lunch
What if we simplify it and tell you that instead of reaching for that extra cup of coffee, try these simple yoga poses to wake up your body and mind after lunch?
1. Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)
The cat-cow stretch is a dynamic pose that softly warms up your spine, increases blood flow to the brain, and stimulates the digestive system. It also helps release tension from the shoulders and neck.
How to do it:
- Start on your hands and knees, with wrists under shoulders and knees under hips.
- Inhale, arch your back (cow pose), lifting your head and tailbone toward the ceiling.
- Breathe out, round your back (cat pose), tuck your chin into your chest and draw your belly button inward.
- Repeat for 10 to 12 breaths.
Also Read: Breathe Easy at Night: Expert Shares Face Yoga Moves to Prevent Snoring and Support Better Sleep
2. Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana)
This pose soothes the nervous system, relieves fatigue, and stretches the hamstrings which are often shortened due to long hours of sitting. It's also a wonderful stretch for improving digestion after a big meal.
How to do it:
- Sit with your legs stretched out straight in front of you and your feet flexed.
- Inhale and stretch the spine up long, and as you exhale, fold forward to touch the feet or ankles.
- Hold for five to 10 breaths, deepening the stretch on each exhalation.
3. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
Bridge Pose helps stimulate abdominal organs, relieving stress, and opening up the chest. It is energising and helps dissipate fatigue and sluggishness.
How to do it:
- Lie on your back, bend your knees, and have your feet placed flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart.
- Press into your feet raise your hips and form a bridge with your body.
- Reach for your hands underneath your back, and hold on for five to 10 breaths.
- Gently lower your hips to the floor.
Also Read: Breathe Easy at Night: Expert Shares Face Yoga Moves to Prevent Snoring and Support Better Sleep
4. Chair Pose (Utkatasana)
This pose will improve your energy level, strengthen the legs, and stimulate the muscles of the torso. It can be used to avoid post-lunch sleepiness.
How to do it:
- Stand with feet together, arms at your sides.
- Bend your knees, lowering your hips as if sitting in an invisible chair. Extend your arms overhead.
- Keep your chest open and your knees behind your toes. Hold for five to eight breaths.
5. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Downward-facing dog is a full-body stretch that enhances blood flow to your brain and relaxes your body. It can instantly rejuvenate you, combat lethargy, and relieve tightness in the hamstrings and shoulders.
How to do it:
- Position yourself on your hands and knees, then lift your hips towards the ceiling in an inverted V shape.
- Push your hands firmly into the floor and try to straighten your legs.
- Hold for five-10 breaths.
Bottomline
By incorporating these yoga poses into your daily routine, you can fight lethargy and feel more alert throughout the afternoon. Take a few minutes after lunch to revitalise your body and mind—no caffeine needed!