We all know what role confidence plays in our life. From nailing that job interview, doing well in an exam, being phenomenal on stage to dealing with an adverse situation effectively, all these require some degree of confidence. However, we all lack confidence at times. Although totally normal, if this prolongs, it can make us feel insecure, and can even elicit negative thoughts and emotions, thus affecting our overall well-being. There are ways to boost confidence. One such way is yoga!
Yes, this ancient mind-body practice that helps us with weight loss, flexibility, and strength, can also help in boosting confidence. Mumbai-based The Yoga Institute has shared on Instagram such yoga poses that can boost self-confidence. Let us look at these poses, or ‘asanas’, one by one.
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Yoga For Confidence
To increase your confidence, here are 7 chest opener and balancing poses you can do:
1# Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)
(Photo Credit: Freepik)
- To do this pose, first lie on your back with legs spread in front of you and arms by your sides.
- Bend your knees and place your feet on the floor.
- Tuck your shoulders and bring your palms near your ankles.
- Gently raise your hips and upper back. You should try to clasp your lower legs with your palms.
- Stay in this pose for a few breaths and gently release.
2# Camel Pose (Ustrasana)
(Photo Credit: Freepik)
- Start with kneeling with your lower legs on the ground and the rest of the body lifted up.
- Bring your palms to the back of your hips and gently fold backward.
- You should try to bend to a point that you can touch your lower legs with your palms.
- However, if it causes pain in your back, you know you have gone too far. Come in the position that feels appropriate.
- Stay here for a few breaths and gently release.
3# Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)
(Photo Credit: Freepik)
- Stand straight with your legs spread wide apart.
- Bring your right foot to face forward and your left foot parallel to the shorter edges of the mat.
- Extend both your arms to the sides and bend to the right to bring your right palm to touch the right foot.
- Extend your left hand upwards and set your gaze towards that palm if it feels right on your neck.
- Stay in this pose for a few breaths and repeat the same on the opposite side.
4# Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I)
(Photo Credit: Freepik)
- Stand straight with your legs spread wide apart.
- Turn your right foot so that your toes face forward. Your left foot should be at 45° with the shorter edges of the mat.
- Bend your right knee to come in the lunge position. Your lower leg should be perpendicular to the floor and thighs should be parallel to the floor.
- Keep your left leg straight.
- Extend your arms upwards.
- Stay in this pose for a few seconds and repeat the same on the opposite side.
5# Upward Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Shvanasana)
(Photo Credit: Freepik)
- Lay on your stomach with legs extended backward and arms to your sides.
- Next, bring your palms below your shoulders. The upper portion of your palms should face upwards.
- Tuck your core and glutes and rise gently.
- You should rise to a point that your arms are straight and your upper body is lifted up the floor.
- Stay in this pose for a few seconds and release gently.
6# Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
- This is done just like an upward-facing dog or urdhva mukha shvanasana.
- The only difference is that your elbows are bent and just your chest is lifted from the ground.
- Just like the upward-facing dog, stay in the cobra pose for a few seconds.
7# Lizard Pose (Utthan Pristhasana)
(Photo Credit: Freepik)
- Start by coming in the downward-facing dog pose.
- Bring your right leg forward, but instead of placing your right foot in between your palms, place it to the side of your right palm.
- The toes of your left foot should be tucked and your left leg should be extended backward.
- Either stay in this pose or lower down by bringing your forearms to the floor.
- Stay in this pose for few breaths and repeat the same on the opposite side.
So, these are the yoga poses that are believed to help with confidence. Try these and explore the changes you experience inside you.
