Look no further if your goal is to brighten your mood and feel energetic in the morning. Apart from aiding in weight loss, practicing yoga in the morning also brings inner happiness. It is a great way to fight stress and aches while boosting your energy levels. In reference to a study at Boston University School of Medicine, it was found that participants who practiced yoga for up to 3 hours a week for 3 months had increased levels of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), mood-boosting chemicals found in the brain, than those who simply walked for the same amount of time.

Here are some yoga poses to make your morning happy and energetic:

Down Dog Crunch

Start on your hands and knees with palms flat and slightly in front of your shoulders. Keep your knees under hips and toe tucked under. On breathing out, straighten your legs and stretch into Downward-Facing Dog pose where your body resembles an inverted V, while stretching your heels down toward the floor or mat. On breathing in, lift up your right leg while pressing your palms evenly on the mat. Shift your torso forward into the plank position when exhaling, and pull the right knee toward your right elbow. On inhaling, reach your right leg back to the roof, returning to one-legged Down Dog position. Repeat up to 10 times. This pose strengthens your core and glutes while stretching your back, calves and hamstrings and helps to relieve back pain and fatigue.

Reverse Warrior to Side Angle

From the Down Dog position, step your left foot forward between your hands and bring a side of right foot parallel to the back edge of the mat. On breathing in, get into warrior II position by turning your hips and torso to the right while raising your arms to your shoulder height, palms down. Flip the left palm upward. Come into Reverse Warrior position with the left arm raised up and slightly lean your torso back, resting your right hand on the right leg. On exhaling, lean forward and rest your left forearm on your left thigh or next to your foot. Reach the right arm up over your head, biceps by your ears and come into Side Angle Pose. On inhaling, get back to Reverse Warrior position. Repeat up to 10 times and switch sides. This pose strengthens your core, glutes and thighs while stretching the side of your body.

Temple Pose

Stand while facing the longer side of the mat with your feet 3 feet apart and toes turned out. Align your pelvis with the spine without sticking your butt out and engage your ab muscles. On breathing in, interlace your fingers and press arms above your head. On exhaling, bend your knees to about 90 degrees. Hold in the position and take up to five breaths. On inhaling, straighten your legs halfway and repeat for up to 10 times. Temple pose strengthens your back, glutes, and thighs while stretching your upper back and shoulders.

Conclusion

There are plenty of yoga poses to practice in the morning for improved happiness and energy levels. Starting your morning with the above yoga poses will enhance your mood and make you more energetic for the day’s tasks.

Reference:

http://empowermentmomentsblog.com/2015/09/03/11-best-ideas-for-your-morning-fitness-you-never-realized/

http://thebodydepartment.com/wellness/7-morning-rituals-to-supercharge-your-metabolism/