How to stay active during the monsoon? Try These 3 Yoga Poses

The monsoon season has once again invaded our lives. While this may bring much-needed relief from the cruel summer heat, it also puts a lot of our plans in jeopardy. It’s no secret that the weather affects our mood and behaviors. During the monsoon, when the days are gloomy and our activity is limited, it is easy to feel depressed. But trust yoga to stay active!

I know the monsoon is a season for snuggling up in bed, but not being active makes us vulnerable to more infections and lack of physical activity can also have long term effects on our health. The rainy season is a great excuse to skip your morning jog or avoid the gym, but the tips I have for you here can be applied from inside your home while enjoying the rain. All you need is a yoga mat.

Motivating yourself to stay active in gloomy weather can be tough, but these simple yoga asanas and breathing exercises will give you just the boost you need to get started.

The best way to strengthen your immune system is breathing and yoga. They boost immunity, improve circulation and provide a feeling of calm. So on a rainy day, get out your yoga mat, enjoy the rainy vibe, and get into these yoga poses to stay active and fit.

3 yoga poses to stay active

1. Kapalbhati Pranayama

Kapalbhati pranayam is a great way to detoxify the body. It is a powerful breathing technique that cleanses the respiratory system and energizes the mind and body. In fact, as you gradually establish a regular, rhythmic breathing pattern, you help lower stress hormone levels while stimulating the lymphatic system, an essential part of supporting immune function. This pranayam also helps expel stale air from the lungs and purify the blood.

To perform Kapal Bhati Pranayam:

• Sit comfortably in a cross-legged position with your spine straight.
• Place your hands on your knees in a mudra of your choice (like the Gyan mudra or the Chin mudra).
• Inhale deeply and exhale forcefully through your nose while pulling your navel towards your spine.
• Let the inhalation happen passively, without any effort.
• Start with 20 to 30 repetitions and gradually increase the number as you feel more comfortable.

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2. Nadi Shodhan Pranayama

Nadi Shodhan Pranayam, also known as Alternate Nostril Breathing, is an essential yogic breathing technique that helps balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This pranayama harnesses your parasympathetic nervous system, promoting mental clarity, reducing stress, and calming the nervous system. This pranayama is excellent during the monsoon, when your nose and sinuses are more likely to be blocked.

To perform Nadi Shodhan Pranayam:

• Sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight and your shoulders relaxed.
• Close your right nostril with your right thumb and inhale deeply through the left nostril.
• Now close your left nostril with your right ring finger, release the right nostril and exhale completely.
• Inhale deeply through the right nostril.
• Close the right nostril again, release the left nostril and exhale completely.
• This completes a cycle. Start with five cycles and gradually increase the number.

3. Adho Mukha Shvanasana

Adho Mukha Shvanasana, commonly known as the downward facing dog pose, is a rejuvenating yoga pose that stretches and strengthens the entire body, increasing lung capacity and improving immunity. It increases blood flow to the brain, calms the mind and relieves fatigue, making it a great choice for staying active during the monsoon. Blood flow to the brain helps relieve headaches and mental fog.

To perform Adho Mukha Shvanasana:

• Start on all fours in tabletop position.
• Place your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.
• Exhale and lift your knees off the floor, straightening your legs without locking the knees.
• Firmly press your palms to the floor, spreading your fingers wide apart.
• Lift your seat bones toward the ceiling, lengthening your spine.
• Engage your core and press your heels down, creating an inverted V shape with your body.
• Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths, gradually increasing the duration as you build strength.

The monsoon season should not be an excuse to neglect our fitness programs. These yoga poses can help you beat the monsoon blues and stay active and energized throughout this rainy season. Incorporate these yoga poses into your daily routine to discover their many physical and mental benefits and make the most of the monsoon season. Try to stay calm while performing these yoga poses.